[MassHistPres] demonstrating historical significance

[Pierre-Louis, Marian]

I am going to be giving a public talk in October regarding the history
and historical significance of a property that we as a commission are
trying to preserve.  The history of the property is straightforward and
well researched.  It is the historical significance aspect that I am
struggling with.  When confronted with a potentially adversarial
audience, what arguments can I use to promote the idea that recognizing
and preserving historical significance is important to a town?  I've
heard the arguments that preserving historical properties adds to the
character and real estate value of a town.  But what about general
historical significance?  How do I convince naysayers that preserving
history related to the advent of the industrial revolution in
Massachusetts is important?  
 
If anyone could point me to articles that could help my argument I would
greatly appreciate it.
 
Thank you.
 
Marian Pierre-Louis
Medway Historical Commission
For more information on the talk see
http://www.medwayhistoricalsociety.org/programs.htm