Sunday, June 26, 2011

Contraband Heritage of Self-Emancipation Summit May 2011

On May 23, 2011 the National Trust is hosting a summit regarding the preservation of historic places associated with Contraband Heritage of Self-Emancipation. The inspiring stories of the women, children, and men who freed themselves are at the heart of American history and should be properly commemorated during the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. The leaders of the Trust believe strongly that a national effort should be undertaken to preserve, interpret, and promote Contraband Heritage sites for the benefit of future generations.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has invited scholars, preservationists, and stakeholders to help create a collaboratively crafted vision for the preservation and interpretation of historic sites associated with Contraband Heritage.

Participants include: Adrienne Terrell Washington and J. Glenn Eugster of the Fort Ward & Seminary African American Descendants Society; Genealogist Char McCargo Bah of Stafford; Audrey Davis P. Davis of the Alexandria Black History Museum; Pamela J. Cressey, City of Alexandria, Archaeologist; Lance Mallamo, Director of the office of Historic Alexandria; Lillian Patterson, Seminary Hill Association, Inc.; Alisa Carrell, City of Alexandria; and Lilie Finklea of Alexandria.

Together, the participants will also develop a draft set of principles and recommendations to help guide those who are working to preserve Contraband Heritage sites. It is an ambitious agenda for the day, but one which will help promote the proper stewardship of these culturally significant historic places.

The summit will be held at the historic President Lincoln’s Cottage on the grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home in the District of Columbia.

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