The goal of this conference is to bring together a wide range of academics, public officials, planners, educators, heritage professionals, and community leaders to examine the practical value of the past—through a serious humanities and social science reexamination through five distinct thematic lenses that assess contemporary social impacts of heritage administration and commemoration throughout the world.
 
A special feature of this year’s conference will be the recognition of the achievements of three outstanding heritage professionals for their contributions to a more inclusive, more sustainable.  In addition to presenting thematic plenary addresses, they will be honored at a special evening event:
 
Henry Cleere -- For his worldwide activities in support of, and furtherance of, the UNESCO World Heritage Convention and his mentoring of countless heritage professionals throughout the world
 
Barbara Little -- For her tireless professional activities and influential publications emphasizing the public value and importance of heritage in general and public archaeology in particular
 
David Lowenthal -- For his path-breaking theoretical and philosophical work, which has transformed the contemporary understanding of heritage and its enormous impact on contemporary society.
 
 
For more information, and to submit abstracts for posters, research papers, and organized sessions,
please visit: http://www.whydoesthepastmatter.org.