Heritage Documentation
Heritage Documentation is the process of recording, cataloging, and preserving information about historical sites, buildings, artifacts, and cultural traditions. It's like creating a detailed record keeping system for history. This work involves taking photographs, making drawings, writing descriptions, and using modern tools to capture the current state of historically important places and objects. Organizations like museums, government agencies, and preservation firms use this documentation to make decisions about preservation, restoration, and education programs. You might also see this referred to as "cultural heritage recording" or "historic preservation documentation."
Examples in Resumes
Led Heritage Documentation projects for three National Historic Landmarks
Created detailed Cultural Heritage Documentation for indigenous archaeological sites
Managed team of specialists in Historic Documentation and preservation planning
Typical job title: "Heritage Documentation Specialists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Heritage Documentation Specialists
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you approach managing a large-scale heritage documentation project with multiple sites?
Expected Answer: A senior specialist should discuss project planning, team coordination, budget management, quality control procedures, and how they ensure consistency across different sites while meeting preservation standards and deadlines.
Q: How do you integrate new documentation technologies with traditional methods?
Expected Answer: Should explain how they evaluate and implement new tools while maintaining documentation quality, including experience with both digital and traditional documentation methods, and training team members.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What methods do you use to document a historic building's features?
Expected Answer: Should describe various documentation techniques including photography, measured drawings, written descriptions, and basic use of modern tools like laser scanning or photogrammetry.
Q: How do you determine which elements of a site require detailed documentation?
Expected Answer: Should explain their understanding of significance assessment, prioritizing features based on historical importance, condition, and project requirements.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic components of a heritage documentation report?
Expected Answer: Should be able to list essential elements like site identification, historical background, physical description, photographs, condition assessment, and basic measurements.
Q: How do you organize and store documentation materials?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of basic file organization, proper labeling conventions, and understanding of both physical and digital storage methods.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic documentation methods
- Photography and note-taking
- Report writing
- File organization
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced documentation techniques
- Project coordination
- Preservation standards knowledge
- Documentation software use
Senior (5+ years)
- Project management
- Team leadership
- Advanced technology integration
- Quality control systems
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic preservation standards
- Poor attention to detail in documentation
- Lack of experience with both digital and traditional recording methods
- No understanding of historical research methods
Related Terms
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