Public Discussion on the Values-Based Assessment of Hiiumaa’s Manor Heritage

The values-based assessment methodology for built heritage monuments, completed in 2025, makes it possible to assess buildings in a comparable and systematic way. The process begins by gathering historical, architectural and spatial information, after which buildings are assessed against specific criteria. A total of 13 criteria are used. The most important include age, architectural value, authenticity, preservation of interiors, the integrity of the historic setting, ensemble value, rarity and typicality. The assessment also considers the symbolic significance of sites, their links to historical processes or well-known people, and their technological innovation. Based on the overall assessment, recommendations are made on whether protection should continue, be changed or, if necessary, be ended.

Initial assessment results are presented at a public discussion in each county, where feedback can be submitted. The results are then confirmed, and the National Heritage Board begins formal proceedings for sites where continued state protection is no longer justified. Owners and local governments are involved in these proceedings. The final decision on ending protection is made by the Minister of Culture.

On Hiiumaa, 10 manor complexes comprising 72 monuments were assessed using the values-based approach to determine whether state protection is needed and to make heritage protection clearer and better justified. The public discussion of the preliminary assessment results for Hiiumaa’s manor heritage will take place on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, from 16:00 to 17:45 at Hiiumaa Museum’s Pikk Maja (Vabrikuväljak 8, Kärdla) and on Teams.

Programme
- Overview by the National Heritage Board of the values-based assessment process for manor heritage and the results of the Hiiumaa assessment
- Presentation, “The Pleasures and Pains of Manor Heritage”. Oliver Orro, architectural historian
- Questions and answers, discussion