Preservation and archaeology are two distinct, but inter-related disciplines that guide all the planning and brick-and-mortar work at Historic Christ Church & Museum. Since 1958, Historic Christ Church & Museum has made research central to its mission of preservation. Volunteers and staff members, historians, archaeologists, preservationists, and other scholars have examined many facets of Christ Church's history. Historic Christ Church & Museum has focused on the preservation of Christ Church as a primary function, and all work must adhere to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, 1995.
Guided by the Preservation Committee, the preservation goal for Christ Church is to sustain the church's original features, details, and materials, using the highest-quality conservation methods. However, replacement or reconstruction with modern materials can be considered if the deterioration or failure of an original element would cause unacceptable collateral damage.
Archaeology at Historic Christ Church & Museum is focused on the scientific study of earlier cultures through the excavation and examination of material remains (sites, features, soils, and artifacts) to inform us about the past. This helps to make the interpretation and restoration of this historic site as authentic as possible. The Archaeological Committee's goals for Christ Church are to review previous excavations and create long-range plans for future investigations that tell us more about how the site has evolved and the lives of the people who made up the parish community.
