Linking public health and heritage work

Abstract

This article reports a cross-disciplinary literature review focused to identify if and how history and heritage have been linked with public health. Widely varied opinions suggest history, heritage, and historic places are valuable assets for improving the human condition. Yet, evidence for how history and heritage improve human lives is mostly indirect or anecdotal. What connections exist between individuals’ knowledge of their history and measures of public health? Do the choices individuals make to retain and protect tangible and intangible things benefit their health? And, ultimately, how might heritage work strengthen individual and public health? The existing literature on history, heritage, and health suggests the topics might relate but more research is needed to make meaningful claims. Heritage professionals should support interdisciplinary efforts to understand how their goals may align with other disciplines and practices.