RODRIGUEZ, Erin Joy S.

4 AR-6
Heritage Conservation 3 - A Story of Change
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Reopening and Adapting Heritage Places During Pandemic

Due to the lockdown caused by the COVID-19, various establishments as well as cultural
zones have been forced to close down, which resulted in deprived opportunity and experience for
people in these heritages. Because of this, many livelihoods together with huge loss in revenues
has happened to a lot of countries around the world. Now as the situation has improved, these
sites are slowly reopening in a ‘new normal’ setting adjusted to the regulations preventing further
spreading of the deadly virus. Examples of ways in adapting to these guidelines and challenges
faced in the process were seen in Honduras, the United States and India.

In Honduras, archaeological parks are one of the economic sources in the country.
Economical pressures, being one of the problems caused by the pandemic, has caused the parks
to reopen. Therefore, their government implemented a responsible approach in reopening
cultural sites and opening outdoor spaces first before opening indoor areas. Safety measures
include basic wearing of face masks, practicing social distancing and utilizing hand sanitizers.

Figure 1. Mayan Ruins, Copan, Honduras. Retrieved from https://alittleadrift.com/travel-copan-ruins-honduras/

Similar approaches are practiced in the United States. The first facilities to adapt are the
libraries providing 24 hours of wifi services to all users given that communication and education
are one of the things that were sacrificed during those times. Other spaces like parking lots were
used as parking slots for responder vehicles, testing sites and homeless temporary shelter against
the virus as seen in the Baltimore Museum and Happy Hollow Parking Zoo in Mexico. Other
historic sites like Old Salem Museum in North Carolina and Guggenheim Museum provided
fresh produce for the masses inspired by the Victory Gardens during World War 2. Churches also
volunteered to serve as blood banks facilities. Cultural Institutions also helped in spreading
awareness using the artifacts as messengers of safety precautions. All of these were under federal
guidelines including limited visitor capacities and contactless payment systems.

Figure 2. Tomato Garden in Guggenheim Museum. Retrieved from:

https://twitter.com/Guggenheim/status/1262856340256555014

The lockdown in India led to the closure of historical monuments for several months,
which resulted in huge losses for the travel and tourism sector. One site affected was the walled
city of Ahmedabad where food stalls, dress shops and other open markets are known to keep the
city flourishing. To combat this, the government introduced a fresh program called "Dekho Apna
Desh," which hopes to increase domestic travel and advertise regional historical sites. The goal
of this effort was to promote historic sites on social media channels and offer virtual tours of
them.

Figure 3. Walled City of Ahmedabad, India. Retrieved from: https://www.holidify.com/pages/shopping-in-ahmedabad-358.html

 The pandemic definitely was one of the biggest challenges the world has experienced but
it also allowed more ideas of innovation for heritage places following the new normal. For
instance, modern technologies have opened more immersive user experiences with minimal
physical contact and more virtual resources and exhibits that wider users may now appreciate.

Thus, it can be said that the COVID-19 epidemic has interfered with the operations of
historical sites, resulting in huge financial losses and disturbing livelihoods. But adaptive
approaches have set new guidelines assisted by new technologies designed to cope with these
types of situations. Heritage sites must continue to adapt and innovate to protect the safety of
workers and tourists while preserving and promoting their rich heritage as the world contends
with the pandemic. Joining various responses is encouraged with government policies with the
public health and safety always the top priority.