FORT WARD HISTORY WORK GROUP

TALKING POINTS--J. GLENN EUGSTER

JUNE 2, 2012

CO-CHAIR OF THE FORT WARD HISTORY WORK GROUP AND THIS IS A MEETING OF THE FORT WARD HISTORY WORK GROUP.

WORK GROUP CREATED THROUGH A CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION.

IN SEPTEMBER 2009 The Office of Historic Alexandria is forming a workgroup to help document the historic and cultural resources of the Fort Ward site, and in particular, the African American community which once existed there. 

The purpose of the workgroup is to assist with research and documentation of the historic site with a specific focus on the heritage of the African American community, known as the Fort, that existed following the Civil War until the mid-20^th century when the City of Alexandria acquired the property to preserve the Union fort. 

The information gathered by the workgroup and staff will be used to help interpret and protect the Fort’s cultural and historic resources.

DEFINITION:  “a chronological record of significant events (as affecting a nation or institution) often including an explanation of their causes”. 

WHAT IS SIGNIFICANT?  IN AMERICA IT IS WHATEVER THE PUBLIC SAYS IT IS.

THE CREATION OF THE HISTORY WORK GROUP CAN AS THE RESULT OF THE CITY’S DECISION MAKING PROCESS.  IN THE 1960’S, 70’S  MASTER PLANS WERE DONE FOR THE PARK WITHOUT HISTORICAL RESEARCH OR COMMUNITY INPUT.  SOME OF THE MISTAKES WERE WELL INTENTIONED ERRORS BASED ON A LACK OF TIME, INFORMATION AND EXPERTISE.   SOME IN THE CITY HAVE SAID “WE DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT THE GRAVES” OR “WE DIDN’T THINK ANYONE CARED.

ERRORS IN DECISION-MAKING SURFACED IN 2008 WHEN A HAM-FISTED PLAN PREPARED IN THE COVER OF DARKNESS BY THE DEPT. OF RECREATION SURFACED.  THE PLAN SHOWS A DISREGARD FOR HISTORIC INFORMATION AND COMMUNITY VALUES.

IT WAS AROUND THAT TIME THAT VARIOUS COMMUNITY AND CHURCH LEADERS CAME TOGETHER, EVENTUALLY WITH THE CITY’S BLESSING AND ASSISTANCE, TO FORM A COLLABORATIVE FORT WARD HISTORY WORK GROUP.  [ WOULD ANY MEMBERS OF THE WORK GROUP HERE TODAY PLEASE STAND AND BE RECOGNIZED]  THE GROUP  HAS:  

1. COLLECTED INFORMATION ON THE CREATION OF FORT WARD PARK;
2. RESEARCHED OWNERSHIP OF THE LAND THAT WAS ACQUIRED FOR THE PARK;
3. COLLECTED CENSUS INFORMATION ON THE PEOPLE  WHO WERE LIVING  IN FORT WARD;
4. CONDUCTED ORAL HISTORY INTERVIEWS WITH FORMER FORT WARD RESIDENTS AND, OR THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS;
5. RESEARCHED THE DAVIS & RUFFNER LAND RECORD COLLECTION FOR REAL PROPERTY CHAIN OF TITLE AND TRANSFER INFORMATION;
6. ASSISTED THE CITY WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN INTERPRETIVE SIGNS;
7. ASSISTED THE CITY, AND THEIR CONSULTANTS, DEVELOP A HISTORICAL RESOURCES INVENTORY OF THE PARK; 
8. ENCOURAGED CITIZEN AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT IN PARK DECISIONS; AND
9. CONDUCTED RESEARCH ON THE FORT WARD’S LOST GRAVES.

THIS, AND OTHER INFORMATION, IS BEING PROVIDED TO THE OHA, THE RECREATION DEPARTMENT AND THE DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION & ENVIRONMENT TO HELP THE CITY MAKE SURE THAT FUTURE PARK DECISIONS, INCLUDING THE PROPOSED PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN, WILL HELP TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE THE HISTORY AND CULTURE OF FORT WHILE MAKING THIS AREA AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC FOR RECREATION.

THE WORK GROUP MEETS THE FIRST SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH, EXCEPT AUGUST, AT DIFFERENT LOCATIONS IN THE CITY.  MEMBERSHIP IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.  THIS GROUP IS A WAY TO MAKE SURE ALL THE FACTS ABOUT OUR HISTORY ARE RECOGNIZED AND THAT ELECTED OFFICIALS, CITY MANAGERS, AND CITIZENS APPOINTED BY THE CITY KNOW HOW MUCH WE CARE ABOUT  FORT WARD AND THE SEMINARY AREA.