Independence Hall, located in Philadelphia, is a symbol of American heritage and the site where the Declaration of Independence was drafted and signed in 1776. It was designated a World Heritage Site in 1979 due to its historical significance and association with democratic principles. While it contributes positively to the local economy and maintains its cultural importance, it faces threats from security concerns, particularly terrorist activities.

1. Independence Hall
The Conservation of American Heritage
Hasan Mohammad

2. Who, What, Where?
O The hall is located by a bound of 520 Chestnut St between 5th
and 6th streets in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
O Independence hall remains the preeminent symbol of the
historic and cultural stances assumed during the American
Revolution and is a prominent icon at the park.
O The site of the iconic drafting and signing of the ‘Declaration of
Independence’ in 1776, the hall stands firm as a reminder of the
political and social climates that lead to the birth of a nation.
O The hall is part of the wider Independence National Historical
Park

3. Mapped View
Note: Independence hall is located by a bound between 5th and 6th Streets

4. Independence Hall as World Heritage
O The hall was inscribed as a world heritage site in 1979.
O Independence hall fulfils most of the selection criteria including:
• to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time
or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or
technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design
(Criterion 2)
• to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or
technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant
stage(s) in human history (
• to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with
ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding
universal significance. (Criterion 6)

5. Threats to independence Hall
O Independence hall remains heavily secure by a security force and
adjacent law enforcement agencies .
O Recently, there has been an exponential increase in the incidence of
threats, particularly by that of terrorist enterprises conspiring bomb
attacks.
O The public interest in independence hall has lead to its opening to the
wider public. Vandalism and damage by visitors is not a prevalent issue
but is a concern to the welfare of the hall.

6. Analysis of Positive and
Negative Outcomes
O The ascent of Independence hall from a national and local icon to a
heritage listed site recognised internationally has served for the better on
a consistent basis.
O The Hall remains appreciated and acknowledged for its time honoured
historic value and the contributions it has implicated upon the principles
of democracy and the preservation of national independence.
O Nonetheless, it has attracted the likes of many corrupted criminal and
terrorist enterprises through the publicity of its world heritage site status.
O However, it remains a powerful contributor to the local economy and the
employment of a host of individuals. An integral part of any society.
O Independence Hall has become synonymous with the roots of American
heritage and continues to perpetuate it with its status as a heritage listed
site.

7. A northern view of Independence
Hall
Onlookers gaze at the historic Liberty Bell at
Independence Hall
An interior perspective of Independence
Hall where the signing of the infamous
Declaration of Independence occurred
in 1776

8. References
O http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/78
O http://www.nps.gov/inde/independence-
hall-1.htm
O http://www.ushistory.org/tour/independenc
e-hall.htm
O http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topi
c/285050/Independence-Hall
O http://independencehall.org/