Amplifying the Voices Symposium

The Nanticoke Historic Preservation Alliance is hosting Amplifying the Voices, a three-day symposium (October 22-24) on interpreting complex histories. This special event will take place at NHPA's new Three Cultures Center at the Handsell Historic Site near Vienna.

The third day of the event on Oct. 24 features a full day of living history interpretation from 10am to 4pm. It will feature the Inalienable Rights Interpreters and other professional living history presenters and include powerful stories, traditional songs, and crafts demonstrations. Open to the public, the family friendly event will also include a food truck, hands-on colonial games and activities for children.

Amplifying the Voices will look at how historical narratives and myths are created, whose perspectives have traditionally been most visible, and how interpreters can responsibly approach histories that are complex, difficult, or incomplete. It will also examine the deep connections between Indigenous peoples, enslaved Africans and African Americans, and Colonial/settler communities.

The three-day program reflects a growing commitment within the public history field to recognize the humanity, agency, and contributions of historically marginalized people. Amplifying the Voices will be facilitated by Joseph McGill, founder and executive director of the Slave Dwelling Project, and Dontavius Williams, founder of The Chronicles of Adam. Drawing upon their extensive experience in historical interpretation and public engagement, McGill and Williams will lead an immersive exploration of how historic places can more fully acknowledge the people and communities connected to their past.

Day One (Thursday, October 22) programming will be geared towards staff and volunteers from historical organizations and preservation groups.

Day Two (Friday, October 23) programs will be open to organizations and the general public. The morning session will feature a teach-in workshop from Chesapeake Heartland: An African American Humanities Project team. The afternoon session will feature testimonials from descendants of the enslaved on the meaning and magnitude of their ancestors’ stories. Drew Shuptar-Rayvis, a professional Indigenous living history presenter, will discuss interpretation of the Native culture.

Space is limited to 80 attendees on Thursday and Friday. This is a free event supported in its entirety by the Miller Fund of the Maryland Center for History and Culture. Register by Oct. 18 for Thursday and/or Friday here. Questions should be directed to restorehandsell@gmail.com.