Land conservation usually conjures up images of vast scenic landscapes and natural wonders featuring places like Yosemite, Shenandoah, and Yellowstone. But what’s equally as important to America’s land conservation story has been the effort to protect and conserve landscapes of historical value. Today’s guest, Dr. John Sprinkle, is the Bureau Historian for the National Park Service’s Park History Program. Recently, he has published his new book, Saving Spaces: Historic Land Conservation in the United States on the struggle to preserve historically significant lands and structures. The book explores how the places we preserve reflect our cultural and generational values. In this episode, Nick and Dr. Sprinkle discuss what spurred his exploration of historic land conservation. You will learn: a cross-examination of preservation cannon, conventions, and practices, why there is seemingly pervasive disconnect between preservationists and cemetery preservation, the history of open space conservation that operated during the era of Urban Renewal, and a surprising anniversary on this day in history.