A Review of the Results of the Study By Howard University of "Afro American" History Interpretation at Selected National Parks

Nunn, Robert

In 1978, the National Park Service granted a contract to Howard University to study Afro-American history interpretation at 31 national parks possessing aspects of Black interest and involvement. Part of the research involved visits to five site: Harpers Ferry NHP, Fort Davis NHS, Chalmette NHP, Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial, and Petersburg NB. Researchers assessed the authenticity of historical resources to determine the effectiveness of presentations of Black heritage. Other objectives were to ascertain the quality of interpretive personnel and explore ways of improving the relationships between the sites and local Black citizens and groups. Howard University's report was distributed to regional offices and the parks studied. The parks agreed with most of the recommendations, but files written dissents in some cases. The study subsequently used as the subject of two training sessions. The sections which follow begin with relevant background information about the parks studied. There follows a section of recommendations made by the Howard University evaluators and any comments or rebuttals to them from the park staff. Finally, our own conclusions based on the 1985 visits are presented. While these conclusions may point to shortcomings in some instances, it also is our hope that none of the significant achievements have been overlooked that set examples worth emulating by other parks.

A Review of the Results of the Study By Howard University of "Afro American" History Interpretation at Selected National Parks

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