Meridian Hill Park, African American Experiences Since the Civil War: A Special Resource Study
Elder E. 2019. Meridian Hill Park, African American Experiences Since the Civil War: A Special Resource Study. Historic Resource Study. National Park Service- National Capital Regional Office. National Capital Region, Washington, D.C.
The historical development and use of Meridian Hill Park has been documented by the National Park Service in several reports, such as the Meridian Hill Park Cultural Landscape Report. This document, however, does not address the relationship of the surrounding African American community to Meridian Hill and the park. The Meridian Hill Park Special Resource Study will rectify this gap in National Park Service documentation and provide critical information on the African American experience from the late 18th century to the present day. This special resource study will also provide contextual background on the social and political developments of the District—and more narrowly Columbia Heights and Adams Morgan—because social and racial demographics infuenced park development and use. In addition, the research will address the park’s function as a space for social contestation, free speech, and resistance. Thereby, the Meridian Hill Park Special Resource Study will provide context on the use of the park in the broader civil rights and social justice movements. This information will be used by the National Park Service to inform resource management and interpretation.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Elder, Elise
- Date of Issue
- 2019-09
- Publisher
- National Park Service- National Capital Regional Office
- Units
- MEHI , NCR , ROCR
- Keywords
- Adams Morgan, African- American, African Americans, Black Nationalism, Civil Rights, Columbia Heights, D.C., demographic change, desegregation, gentrification, historic resource study, housing segregation, Latino, performing arts, recreation, Rock Creek Park, ROCR, segregation, special resource study, urban renewal, Wayland Seminary