April 9
Why Difficult Histories Matter

Difficult histories are suddenly everywhere - in controversies over Confederate memorials, sites associated with slavery, and the locations of historical atrocities. Americans have traditionally shied away from such sites, preferring instead to celebrate those associated with well-known figures and their causes. Although recent efforts have begun to craft a different paradigm, many people remain reluctant to face up to contentious, trauma-laden pasts. This talk argues for the importance of "difficult histories" and explains why sites associated with them hold the potential to give historic preservation new energy, direction and relevance.