Eric DeLony and the Historic American Engineering Record: Preserving Industrial Heritage
September 16, 2026
Sloss Furnaces Shines as a Museum and Landmark at International Congress
Eric DeLony, renowned for his leadership in the Historic American Engineering Record (HAER), has been a pivotal figure in spotlighting America’s industrial heritage on the world stage. At the International Congress for Conservation of Industrial Heritage meeting in France, which took place during the week of September 14-20, 1981, DeLony presented to over 200 delegates from 12 nations, passionately illustrating the significance of eight key U.S. landmarks that represent the nation’s industrial past. Among these, Sloss Furnaces in Birmingham, Alabama stood out as a prime example of how historic industrial sites can be conserved and repurposed for modern uses.
Sloss Furnaces, once a bustling iron-producing facility, has been transformed into a vibrant museum. This site not only preserves the machinery and architecture that powered the region’s growth, but also educates visitors about the social and technological impacts of America’s industrial revolution. DeLony emphasized the importance of actions being taken to conserve and adapt these landmarks, ensuring they remain relevant and accessible to contemporary society. The efforts at Sloss, from restoration to community programming, serve as a model for how industrial heritage can be actively developed to meet current needs while honoring its historic value.
The presentation by DeLony highlighted both the challenges and successes faced in conserving industrial landmarks. By sharing the story of Sloss Furnaces and other examples, he inspired international delegates to consider innovative ways to safeguard their own sites. The transformation of Sloss into a museum demonstrates how historic preservation can intersect with education, tourism, and community development, creating lasting benefits for both local and global audiences.
As the conversation on industrial heritage continues, DeLony’s advocacy and the ongoing work at Sloss Furnaces remind us that conservation is not just about protecting the past, but about finding new opportunities for these landmarks to serve the present and future.
HAER, Cultural Resource Management Vol.23 No. 4 2000
