Summary:
In this episode, Alicia speaks with Tori Schendel-Vyvoda, the curator of the Evansville African American Museum. Tory discusses the significant archaeological discovery of 76 historical graves in Evansville, highlighting the importance of community involvement in the reburial process. The discussion emphasizes the need for transparency, respect for the ancestors, and the role of the Evansville African American Museum in facilitating a memorial ceremony.
Keywords:
African American Museum, Baptist Town, community engagement, curatorship, Evansville history, McGarry burial ground, cultural preservation, heritage, storytelling, grassroots initiatives, Evansville, cemetery discovery, community engagement, African American history, archaeology, reburial, cultural heritage, memorial ceremony, historical graves, indigenous history
Takeaways:
The Evansville African American Museum serves as a cultural gem in the community.
Tori's journey to curatorship was inspired by her experiences in Germany.
Baptist Town is recognized as the longest continual black neighborhood in the U.S.
Community engagement is crucial for the museum's operations and preservation efforts.
The discovery of the McGarry burial ground highlights the importance of historical awareness.
Community listening sessions are vital for honoring local history and individuals.
The museum's history is deeply intertwined with the local community's legacy.
The museum aims to be a vibrant source of storytelling and cultural preservation. Evansville's archaeological efforts were commendable and ethical.
76 historical graves were discovered, including individuals of African and Indigenous descent.
The community's involvement in the reburial process is crucial.
A memorial ceremony will honor the ancestors and their stories.
The importance of transparency and collaboration in archaeological work.
Cultural heritage should reflect the diversity of the community.
Healing can occur through honoring those who were marginalized.
The discovery challenges the narrative of segregation in history.
Community engagement is essential for preserving history.
Sound Bites:
"I want to dedicate my life to this."
"We are a community center."
"We run on donations and grants."
"They found brick vault shafts."
"Evansville did the right thing."
"We need to tell that story."
"We can do better together."
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the African American Museum
02:55 Tori's Journey to Curatorship
05:59 The Significance of Baptist Town
08:47 Community Engagement and Preservation Efforts
11:54 The Discovery of McGarry Burial Ground
14:58 Community Listening Session and Its Importance
17:54 Unearthing History: The Evansville Cemetery Discovery
20:16 Honoring the Ancestors: Reburial and Community Involvement
23:39 A Collective Memory: The Importance of Community Engagement
27:49 Healing Through Ceremony: A Step Towards Unity
32:36 Hope and Resilience: The Future of Evansville's Heritage
Stay connected with Tory!
Website: https://www.toryvyvoda.com/home
Evansville African American Museum
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Website: https://www.aliciachristian.com/
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