Assessing Heritage Interpretation’s Inclusion of Building Conservation: Insights from a Quantitative Data Analysis of Eight Welsh Properties

Abstract. One of the main goals of heritage interpretation is to convey the value of cultural heritage to the public effectively. This process fosters an organic connection between heritage and the public, encouraging individuals to develop a sense of ownership, maintain ongoing interest, and engage in direct activities related to the heritage. Historic buildings use various interpretive methods to communicate with visitors, but how often does this focus on the process of building conservation? Interpretation material was collected from eight Welsh heritage properties from both online and on-site sources. Automatic processing tools were then used to analyse the text extracted from the sources. According to the analysis, the majority of online information pertains to historical narratives and significant events, with only 9.6% being building-related content, of which 3.6% specifically addressing building conservation and restoration. On-site, the proportion of building-related information is higher, at 12.9%, with 7.6% related to building conservation and restoration. By offering a deeper understanding of the building’s historic fabric and its conservation, interpretation can foster a stronger connection between people and heritage sites while enriching visitors’ experiences.