2.0 Purpose and Definition of Commemorative Integrity

Commemorative integrity describes the health and wholeness of a national historic site. A national historic site possesses commemorative integrity:

• when the resources that relate to the reasons for designation of the national historic site or symbolize or represent its importance are not impaired or under threat,
• when the reasons for the site’s national historic significance are effectively communicated to the public, and
• when the site’s heritage values including those not related to national significance are respected by all whose decisions or actions affect the site.

2.1 Commemorative Integrity Statement

A Commemorative Integrity Statement is a site-specific elaboration of what is meant by commemorative integrity for a particular national historic site. The CIS is intended to provide the benchmark for planning, managing operations, reporting and taking remedial action. It is divided into three main elements:

• Resources that relate to the reasons for designation of the national historic site or symbolize or represent the site’s importance are not impaired or under threat - This section of the CIS identifies the resources that relate directly to the site’s national significance. It also describes the historic values of these resources, which can be symbolic as well as physical. These values must be safeguarded and communicated. The CIS provides guidance, through indicators and objectives, about the meaning of “not impaired or under threat” in the context of the site.
• Reasons for the site’s national significance are effectively communicated to the public - This section of the CIS identifies messages of national significance, as well as any additional, essential information required to ensure their understanding. It provides guidance, through objectives, on integrity in presentation and effective communication with audiences.
• Site’s heritage values (including those not related to national significance) are respected in all decisions and actions affecting the site - This section of the CIS covers heritage resources and values that are not related to national significance, as well as any other matters not covered under the other two elements of commemorative integrity. It provides guidance, through indicators and objectives, on what is meant by “respect” in the context of the site.