Presenting: History is a Story, Part One
Content: "insanity," asylums, eugenics
Highlights
This conversation explores the historical significance of the Johnson County historic poor farm, examining its role in shaping social services and community relationships. Emerson reflects on the journey through time, the evolution of dependency, and the voices of those who lived in the poor farm. The discussion delves into the stigma surrounding dependency, the impact of scientific charity, and the importance of preserving history to understand present-day challenges. Ultimately, it highlights the need for a more inclusive narrative that honors the lives and stories of those who were often marginalized.
Conclusion
Dependency is a complex history that creates long lasting stigma. Community engagement is essential to reimagine land use. Sites of conscience can foster healing and understanding.
Transcript
For a full transcript of this episode, visit: disabilityecologiespodcast.buzzsprout.com
Credits
Episode written and narrated by Emerson Cram, University of Iowa. Recorded with Riverside FM. Production and Sound Editing by Maura De Cicco. All media clips are used for educational purposes only. Sound effects licensed through Pixabay.
Funding
Research, writing, and production benefited from generous support: the National Communication Association’s Karl R. Wallace Memorial Award; The University of Iowa (UI) OVPR Arts and Humanities Initiative Standard Grant; UI Provost Investment in Strategic Priorities; UI College of Liberal Arts DSHB Humanities Scholar Award; UI CLAS, Summer Humanities Award.
Special Thanks
With thanks to Maura De Cicco; UI Departments of Communication Studies, Gender, Women’s & Sexuality Studies, and American Studies (Especially Angie Looney, Kembrew McLeod, Eric Vázquez, Naomi Greyser, & Hallie Abelman); State Historical Society of Iowa (especially Hang Nguyen, Allison Johnson, & Anu Tiwari); Sarah Keen, University Archivist, University of Iowa; V Fixmer-Oraiz; Kim Painter; Rebecca Dewing, Johnson County Historical Society; the 2024 Colby Summer Institute in Environmental Humanities, (especially Ashton Wesner, Astrida Neimanis, Marisol de la Cadena, Jason Moore, Mat Fournier, Molly MacVeagh, Francesca Martelli, Joe Riley, Rachel Rozanski, Chris Walker); Claire Fox; Teresa Mangum; Jennifer New; Phaedra C. Pezzullo; Constance Gordon; & Jesse Waggoner.
Audience Participation
