Abstract
Small Towns defined through size in population, spatial dimensions, and limited functions are studied as bodies who know how to use heritage instrumentally in their development plans which should help them to adapt to constraints and challenges of globalized society.. Most common strategies are valorization of the town through the valorization of its heritage in various heritage lists (UNESCO WHL National Heritage List, Regional Heritage List) which to be achieved need to use historical argumentations.
Most obvious cases are the UNESCO nominations, since they often started as listed in a national heritage list, which helped in marketing their history usually with support from experts or academics. Among small towns with heritage, we identify heritage in permanent recognition, (re)discovered, newly invented / constructed, and also lost.
Particpatory activities connecting interests of communities and various stakeholders are focused on commodification of heritage, as well as its conservation and maintenance. The strengthening of identification with the place through heritage presentation, recognition, discovery, etc.is not a side effect, but perhaps the most important outcome.