Heritage and Wellbeing: The Impact of Heritage Places on Visitors’ Wellbeing

Heritage and Wellbeing examines what role heritage can play in creating healthier societies, exploring how heritage can improve people’s wellbeing through a range of international case studies. These studies include Bangalore Fort, Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Biltmore Estate, and Chatsworth House. It presents significant new research in the field of wellbeing studies and public heritage, key chapters that evaluate museums, heritage sites, and archaeology providing evidence how these different activities pro-actively and positively influence wellbeing. Faye Sayer provides evidence of how visiting and engaging with heritage places could provide the key to healthier and happier societies, arguing the benefits of heritage should be regarded as a key player in improving wellbeing and mental health and reducing wellbeing inequality.

Faye Sayer, University of Birmingham

Faye Sayer is Assistant Professor in Heritage and History at University of Birmingham. She was previously Reader in Public History and Community Archaeology at Manchester Metropolitan University. She has published major articles and books on community heritage and public history, and worked for some of the UK’s most significant heritage organizations, including English Heritage, The Portable Antiquities Scheme, and the Museum of London. She has been involved in developing and evaluating cultural heritage wellbeing projects around the world, including in the North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.