Bright Futures Begin in the Past: Heritage Awareness and Stewardship

Bright Futures Begin in the Past: Heritage Awareness and Stewardship. Published by QAHN in 2006, this 14-page, spiral-bound guidebook was designed for keepers of Quebec's heritage as well as local leaders who wish to preserve that heritage for future generations.

Quebec's heritage finds expression in many aspects of our shared memory. Historic buildings, parks, archaeological ruins and cultural artifacts all tell us about the history of our hometown. But local heritage comprises much more than mere landscapes and objects from the past. It is also shaped by traditions and by stories about the places where we live. A community's past may be glimpsed along its streets, in the architecture of our homes and workplaces.

What we recognize as having heritage value is constantly evolving. Sadly, far too many municipalities have either failed to recognize the value of built heritage in their own communities until it was threatened with demolition or disfigurement. Whenever this happens, the result is the same: Quebec's architectural legacy is debased while residents are deprived of another chapter in the story of their community. QAHN hopes that municipal leaders and local citizens will work together to reverse this trend.