Case Study: Architecture, Preservation, and Memory

Independence Hall in American Memory argues that buildings may be viewed as records of public memory through the process of their creation, use, alterations, and preservation. Using the book with the following images as prompts, discuss the reasons for each of the following changes in the exterior and interior of the Pennsylvania State House, later known as Independence Hall. (Illustrations provided by Independence National Historical Park.)

 


Exterior

1. Addition of tower and steeple, 1751-53:

State House c.17532. Demolition of steeple, 1781:

13 - State House c.1781 neg 1104

3. Addition of City Hall and County Court House (later known as Congress Hall), 1785-91:

15 - State House c.1791

4. Demolition of piazzas and construction of office row, 1811-12:

16 - State House c.1812

5. Construction of new steeple, 1828:

State House c.1828 6. Recreated piazzas, 1898:

State House c.1898

 

 


Interior

1. East Room, first floor (later known as Assembly Room) redecoration, 1855:

Interior of Inde Hall by Rosenthal 8x10

2. East room, first floor (later known as Assembly Room) redecoration, 1876:

Independence Hall Assemby Room 1875 from book A Century Aff

3. Assembly Room, National Park Service restoration (present):

Assembly Room.  Photograph by Robin Miller, 2001 8x10


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