The past is prologue - and that is so true. It is important to remember from where we come. Our ancestors struggled to make it wherever they were living and it is fascinating to see how and where they lived. It makes us appreciate what we have today. I do believe we cannot save it all though. We must be selective.
I'm now involved in working for a historical designation for an area. There are no strings attached to this designation - the property owners can do what they will with the structures and the ground they own. However, a designation such as this one makes everyone aware that something special occurred in this location.