The National Building Museum meets the National Park Service
Investigating Where We Live is a five week summer program at the National Building Museum for teens from the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Participants use digital cameras, creative writing, interviews, and their own observations to explore, document, and interpret the built environment in D.C. neighborhoods.
Through an unprecedented partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) and the Historical Society of Washington, this summer's participants have answered the question, “What does the past have to do with the future?” through explorations of the changing Shaw neighborhood in Washington, D.C. Participants brought new attention to historically important structures in the neighborhood, such as the home of Carter G. Woodson, an African American businessman, scholar, and the originator of what is now called Black History Month. Teens explored the relationship between these cultural landmarks to both Shaw and the larger city to better understand the importance of preserving D.C.’s shared history. Through their photography, writings, recordings, and original artwork, the young investigators became the curators, working together to brainstorm, design, plan, and install a one-of-a-kind exhibition that explains the importance of preserving the entire city’s shared history. Their exhibition, Investigating Where We Live: Recapturing Shaw's Legacy, opens the evening of July 26.
National Builidng Museum Online sat down with Jamie Euken, a park guide with the National Parks Service who worked with the teens as they explored Shaw, to learn more about the partnership.
National Building Museum Online (NBM Online): The mission of the National Building Museum is to advance the quality of the built environment by educating people about its impact on their lives. Where do the goals of the National Park Service and the National Building Museum overlap?
Jamie Euken (JE): Typically, when people think of the National Park Service, they think of the big outdoor parks like Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon. But the National Park Service is increasingly focusing on historic houses and urban areas. Just as there are many significant natural environments that need protection, built environments like the Carter G. Woodson Home and other historic houses also tell an important story of what has happened there and how that has impacted a community and a nation.
NBM Online: What is something that might surprise people about the Carter G. Woodson Home?
JE: Carter G. Woodson was the second African American to graduate with a PhD from Harvard University. But he didn't even start going to school until he was 19 years old. The son of former slaves, Woodson didn't have access to school growing up, and he had to work a number of jobs including garbage collection and coal mining to support his family. By overcoming racial stereotypes and discrimination, Woodson is an excellent example that even if there are roadblocks and barriers, hard work and diligence can overcome these obstacles.
NBM Online: What do you think is the value in hearing a youth perspective on this historic site?
JE: Youth are an excellent way to see how far we've come as a society. Shaw is a neighborhood in transition with a significant amount of new construction amongst established landmarks, buildings, residents, and traditions. Because they are the ones that will one day be living in the areas affected by these transitions, engaging youth in their communities early on helps them realize that they should be active participants in this kind of transition.
NBM Online: What do you hope that the Investigating Where We Live participants will gain from more closely studying NPS properties and Shaw’s history?
JE: An appreciation for the past, an of understanding how these communities have formed and continue to develop, and a conscious understanding that even with new construction and change, we do not forget what came before. By recognizing and celebrating the importance of African American history and culture, Woodson was able to find a positive way to promote equality and end discrimination in America. Through programs like Investigating Where We Live, the Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site can continue to promote and celebrate diversity in our communities.
Learn more about the exhibition Investigating Where We Live: Recapturing Shaw's Legacy and attend the exhibition opening July 26.
