Black Ecologies + the Great Dismal Swamp

a graduate thesis by Tarin Jones

Join us for a virtual event featuring Black in Historic Preservation Member and 2024 graduate of Pratt Institute's Graduate Program in Historic Preservation Tarin Jones as he explores the intersection of Black identity, self-determination/agency, and historic preservation from his graduate thesis.

Learn about the importance of Black Ecologies, the distinction between terminology such as "marronage" versus "runaway slave" and "freedom-seeking," and how they shape our understanding of history and culture.

The specific topic will raise awareness about specific topics in historic preservation / heritage conservation:

• Black Ecologies

• Language in Historical Interpretations: Marronage vs Freedom Seekers vs Runaways

• Existing Public-Facing Signage / Historical Markers and Landscapes

• Community Engagement

Taking the Great Dismal Swamp of Virginia as the site of investigation, Tarin's graduate thesis project asked if community engagement includes and displays the dissemination of Black representations to communicate its significance and complexity in the Tidewater Region of the United States Southeast Region.

This event is a must-attend for anyone interested in the preservation of Black heritage and the environment. Don't miss out on this enlightening discussion!