Civil Rights Historical Marker/Landmark Project Guidelines
Purpose:
This project is designed for you to explore black history in a local context and examine the lasting legacies of the struggle for freedom and racial equality in the PNW outside of the classroom. Therefore, this project is more hands-on that requires you to go out into the field and engage in the practice of doing history to better understand the past.
Directions:
You will select a historical marker or public memorial that must be approved by me. The marker may represent a person, place, or event relating to the history of African Americans in the region between the late 19th century and 20th century. Please provide the name of the historical marker or and landmark where it is located by April 9.
You will then visit the site in person and take documentary photographs of the marker. If you are unable to visit, find clear pics online of the marker and any photos relating to the site (including google maps).
You will examine the marker, the historical information presented, and answer the following questions:
Who sponsored the marker?
What might be the purpose of the marker?
Where is it located?
How is/was the space used?
Why is it historically significant?
These five questions will form the basis of your research essay.
Next, you will conduct investigative research on the historical marker and the history it is representing.
Based on the information you find, you will write a 4-5 page research analysis on the historical significance of the marker. Did the information presented on the marker represent accurate information? Was there any information or stories left out that could change the interpretation of that history? What evidence or counter-narratives exist? How do those sponsoring the marker choose to remember history? What might be shaping their understanding of a historical event, place, person, etc? How does the content of the marker relate to any themes or readings we have discussed in class? In the process of doing research, how did it further enrich your understanding of the civil rights movement and the black freedom struggle in the United States? Why is public memory and preservation important? Make sure to insert pics of the marker and any other relevant photos.
You must consult and use at least 4-5 credible sources for your paper (this may include secondary and/or primary sources).
