Social significance represents the connections between heritage places and communities, reflecting how these sites contribute to people's sense of belonging and collective memory. 

For example, the devastating fire that destroyed Brazil's National Museum in 2018 highlighted the profound social value this institution held for Brazilian society. The public outcry following the fire demonstrated how deeply the museum was embedded in the social fabric of the country. 

It was a place where families brought children to learn, where students conducted research, and where communities gathered to celebrate their shared history.