TWIN – The Global Observatory of Historic Tramway Heritage
A research project on historic tramway heritage worldwide
ATTS – Associazione Torinese Tram Storici is taking part in TWIN – The Global Observatory of Historic Tramway Heritage, a research project dedicated to historic tramway heritage at an international level.
The project is being developed as part of a research internship at the University of Turin by Ilaria Cannizzaro, Master’s student at the University of Turin, in collaboration with ATTS – Associazione Torinese Tram Storici.
TWIN aims to create a global mapping of the organizations that, in different parts of the world, are involved in the preservation, management and promotion of historic trams.
Tramway museums, volunteer associations, public transport operators, foundations, cultural institutions and heritage lines represent an extremely rich heritage. However, these experiences are often fragmented and not widely known at an international level. The project aims to collect and connect these experiences, offering a first overall perspective on how tramway heritage is preserved, managed and promoted in different geographical, cultural and organizational contexts.
Research objectives
The research does not focus only on historic vehicles or preserved tramway lines, but also on the organizational, managerial and cultural models that allow these organizations to continue their activities.
In particular, the project aims to investigate:
• the conservation and restoration of historic vehicles;
• the role of tramway museums and heritage associations;
• the contribution of volunteers and local communities;
• the relationship with public institutions, transport operators and cultural organizations;
• educational, tourism and outreach activities;
• the main challenges faced by organizations;
• future perspectives and opportunities for international cooperation.
From this perspective, the historic tram is considered not only as a means of transport, but also as a living testimony to the urban, industrial, technical and social history of cities.
The international questionnaire
A central part of the project is an international questionnaire addressed to museums, associations, operators and organizations active in the field of historic tramway heritage.
The questionnaire aims to collect comparable information at an international level, in order to better understand how these organizations are structured, which activities they carry out, what difficulties they face and which perspectives they identify for the future.
The responses collected will be used exclusively for academic and research purposes and will contribute to the development of the international mapping planned within the project.
Organizations interested in contributing to the research can complete the questionnaire at the following link:
https://forms.gle/1Jn7tCRC6LGCEA388
The role of ATTS
The collaboration with ATTS represents a key element of the project. The association has long been committed to the protection, recovery and promotion of Turin’s historic tramway heritage, and represents an important point of reference for understanding the cultural and identity value of historic trams.
Through its experience, its international network of contacts and its dialogue with other organizations in the sector, ATTS contributes to the development of a research project that looks beyond the local context and opens up to an international dimension.
Towards an international tramway heritage network
TWIN also stems from the desire to encourage dialogue between organizations operating in different countries but sharing similar objectives: preserving the memory of urban transport, keeping technical knowledge alive, enhancing the role of historic trams in cities and transmitting this heritage to future generations.
The project aims to represent a first step towards greater mutual knowledge among museums, associations, operators and communities engaged in the protection of historic tramway heritage.
Each experience collected contributes to telling part of this shared story.
For this reason, TWIN invites organizations active in the sector to participate in the research and to contribute to the creation of an international mapping of historic tramway heritage.
Contacts
For further information about the TWIN project or to contribute to the research, please contact:
Ilaria Cannizzaro
Master’s student, University of Turin
Project
Email:
TWIN – The Global Observatory of Historic Tramway Heritage
A research project of the University of Turin in collaboration with ATTS – Associazione Torinese Tram Storici.
"Valter Cantino" Department of Management – University of Turin
Scientific Director of the Project: Prof. Giovanni Peira
Email:
Watch the PROJECT VIDEO