Abstract: From Columns to Corridors: An American Legacy in Restoration and Cultural Policy Abroad

Lecturer: Christina Luke

The restoration and presentation of archaeological monuments abroad has been an enduring cultural legacy of U.S. institutions for over a century. In this lecture, I explore the cultural diplomacy aspects of restoration projects at Tikal (Guatemala), Abu Simbel (Egypt) and Bath-gymnasium at Sardis (Turkey). These projects set the stage for not only the foundations of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but also the contemporary policies that advocate for cultural corridors, heritage routes that provide the backbone for cultural tourism and proactive, global governance that promotes sustainable development.