The Role of Heritage Interpretation in Building Peace

Abstract

This article discusses the role of heritage intepretation in building peace. It covers areas such as contested history and sites of memory, and looks at how the interpretation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage can heal wounds created by difficult pasts. It argues that heritage practitioners have an important role in promoting peace by interpreting challenging, painful and emotional histories. Key areas explored are child sexual abuse, contested sites in Japan and Korea and interpretation of atrocities.