The purpose of this thesis is to assess the role of bed and breakfasts (B & Bs) in heritage tourism and in the broader historic preservation movement. The thesis evaluates the relationship between B & Bs and heritage tourism, the factors that tend to make B & Bs successful, the role of historic buildings in the B & B industry, and B & Bs as an adaptive reuse strategy. It also identifies barriers that prevent B & Bs from playing a larger role in heritage tourism and historic preservation. The background of both the bed and breakfast and heritage tourism industries are presented. The primary sources for the research were actual bed and breakfast owners. Five B & B owners and their businesses, located throughout the state of Indiana, were selected as case studies. These case studies include: The Carole Lombard House in Fort Wayne, The Lantz House Inn in Centerville, Old Northside B & B in Indianapolis, the Victorian Guest House in Nappanee, and Maple Hill B & B in Middletown. A profile of each case study is presented which addresses some basic questions: why the owner opened the B & B, what type of rehabilitation work, if any, was necessary for the business, whether or not heritage tourism or historic preservation have played an important role in the success of the business, and how the owner believes the B & B has affected the surrounding area. Other sources consulted for thisresearch include professional associations and heritage tourism specialists, as well as a wide variety of publications. All sources are combined to draw conclusions regarding the relationship between B & Bs and heritage tourism. The value and success of B & Bs as a heritage tourism and preservation strategy is discussed, as is the importance of a building's historic character as a factor in a B & B's success as a business. / Department of Architecture