Preserving Native American Stories umw “preservation in the community” course by Jill Laiacona Blankenship is getting that chance in University of Mary W a s h i n g t o n Assistant Professor Lauren McMillan's Preservation in the C o m m u n i t y course. This past N o v e m b e r ' s National Native American Heritage Month, UMW juniors and seniors enrolled in this G. Anne Richardson, longtime chief of the Rappahannock Tribe h i s t o r i c John Blankenship's passion for preservation seminar are collaborating historic preservation is personal. A with the Patawomeck and Rappahannock member of Virginia's Patawomeck Indian tribes to create a driving trail that honors Tribe, he's always been interested in their past and present. learning about his family tree and the McMillan, who has partnered with roots his ancestors laid along the Potomac the tribes on archaeological excavation River. projects for previous courses, said their work has the potential to put the region "Since I was young, I've wanted on the map as a destination for those who to ensure that the people and events of wish to learn more about indigenous the past are remembered," he said, "and history and culture. that their stories are told accurately."
"Most Americans know about Pocahontas and the Trail of Tears but have little understanding of the longer history of these tribes," said McMillan, citing the Racial Integrity Act of 1924, which once barred Virginia residents from claiming indigenous heritage. "With projects like this, we aim to rectify years of Native American erasure while highlighting contemporary tribal communities still active and vibrant in our region." G. Anne Richardson, longtime chief of the Rappahannock Tribe, echoes those sentiments. "These places have been lost to us for more than 350 years," she said. "It's invaluable to be able to tell a more complete history of our tribe's impact on this land." The class conducted extensive research, zeroing in on several narratives key to the tribes, such as the use of river resources over thousands of years and modern fishing practices. Other topics include long-distance trade routes, and traditions and stories passed down through generations of descendants, many of whom have made their home in King George, Stafford and neighboring counties. After consulting archives, archaeological reports and oral histories,
University of Mary Washington Assistant Professor Lauren McMillan has partnered with the tribes on archaeological excavation projects skills they can transfer to a career." Senior Samantha Melvin, who will give a presentation on the finished Middle Atlantic product at the Archaeology Conference this spring, hopes the work will lead to more collaboration among the tribes, municipalities and Mary Washington.
Drew Gruber speaks to McMillan's students about interpretive signage. The class is creating seven signs with narratives identified by the tribes. students are creating brief summaries for seven interpretive signs, using design principles they learned from Fredericksburg graphic artist Pete Morelewicz. Drew Gruber '08, executive director of the nonprofit Civil War Trails, shared his expertise on heritage tourism marketing with the class. "It's important that they see the opportunities available to historic preservation graduates," McMillan said. "They're gaining real-world
“That's the plan”, said Nick Minor, executive director of King George's Department of Economic Development and Tourism. He envisions a regional driving trail spanning not only King George but into the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. The tribes will have an active role in choosing sites and shaping narratives, he said, as well as determining the direction of the campaign's branding and aesthetics.
"The Patawomeck and Rappahannock tribes already do a wonderful job sharing their history," Minor said. "At the end of the day, it's their stories and heritage. We're just lucky to have the privilege to help them tell people about it."
Jill Laiacona is the Media Manager, University Relations & Communications at UMW
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