Marilyn writes: >Can someone tell me what the difference is between authenticity and integrity? >Can anyone tell me where I can find a definition of authenticity >that I can understand? >Sorry for what is probably a really stupid question. Rhodes writes: Not a stupid question at all. The National Register Bulletin #15 defines Historic Integrity as "The unimpaired ability of a property to convey its historical significance." In assessing integrity of a property one asks if there is sufficiency to to recall its significance or to yield important information about that property. It is therefore possible for a property to lose its integrity due to alteration or damage. In one of the papers from the 1966 ICOMOS National Comittees of the Americas held in San Antonio at the International Symposium on Authenticity in the Conservation and Management of the Cultural Heritage, several persons addressed the meaning of the word authenticity including: Christina Cameron: Definition: "It originated in the Greek language and was used through the Middle Ages, with the meaning of something done in one's own hand, hence something having authority. An 'authentic' document meant that it represented the 'true' instructions of the King or the 'true' version of a Biblical text. In simple terms, the word 'authentic' was applied to the message itself, not to the containerŠ" "Šthe word 'authentic' exists in Indo-European languages. It does not exist in Japanese, Sri Lankan, Chinese and other languages. Perhaps it is not the best word to use." Also Maria de las Nieves Arias Incolla: "The term 'authentic' comes from the Greek and means 'the primordial, the primary, what is of value to all.' Something is authentic when its identity is established beyond question, that is, when something is 'what it is supposed to be.' Legitimization of authenticity comes from the testimonial value of a work. It also serves its integrity, and thus integrity is synonymous with authenticity." Rhodes writes: As you can see, the term "integrity" means different things to different people just as there are these (and many more) definitions and interpretations of the word word "authenticity" both in the proceedings and other writings. And I have my own interpretations, but this should give you a taste of how complex the term is. As for importance, the announcement to the symposium boldly stated, "Authenticity is the foundation on which all preservation work is based." (!!!) Find yourself a copy of the whole proceedings. Its a good read on the many perspectives on authenticty. The book Lisa Sasser put me on to, by Knut Einar Larsen and Nils Marstein: Conservation of Historic Timber Structures / An ecological aproach has an excellent chapter on the subject. It's also good we ask questions. Dialog helps. --Jim