Glenn Johnston, Chair, Humanities & Public History, Stevenson University
Proposal Type: Workshop
Seeking: Additional Presenters, General Feedback and Interest
Abstract: Who are those who seemed to be invisible in life, and why did we not notice their deaths? That fundamental question lies at the heart of a community service project embarked upon by the Stevenson University Public History Program in 2014. The objective of the project is ensure that every Marylander whose name is engraved upon the Vietnam Wall of Remembrance in Washington, D.C. has a corresponding photo on the online “Wall of Faces.” Out of Maryland’s 1,015 service members who died in Vietnam, there were 187 whose photos were missing from the online memorial when the project began. Initially developed as a research project supporting Maryland Public Television, the effort rapidly turned into a community research project examining why some people seem to live invisible lives– even in their death. As a result of this effort, Stevenson students get to practice public history, collaborate with other i nstitutions, and face the question of the pros and cons of the role of significance in history.
Seeking: This workshop examines the challenges and opportunities presented public historians who engage in documenting the lives of those who seemed to have had little significance to their communities. Participation by practitioners whose work uncovers the effects of race, class, gender, and cultural significance on what is documented in society are welcomed. Public historians involved in projects that document those who have died in service to their country are invited to participate as well.
If you have a direct offer of assistance, sensitive criticism, or wish to share contact information for other people the proposer should reach out to, please get in contact directly: Glenn Johnston,gjohnston[at]stevenson.edu
If you have general ideas or feedback to share please feel free to use the comments feature below.
All feedback, and offers of assistance, should be submitted by July 3, 2015.
Related Topics: Civic Engagement, Oral History
Wonderful idea. I have a friend who’s father was KIA in Vietnam and by chance she met with a man who served with her father and was present when he died. Her dad was an average person but now many people know who he was and what his life was like. It’s important for the families but also for the greater public. Her story was recorded by StoryCorps and played on NPR.
I have been doing this since 2006. I am now(2016) an archivist for the US Army, Arlington Natl Cemetery and VVMF-Wall of Faces-Education Center. I am a member of the Pentagon 9/11 Committee and a published photojournalist. I have posted hundreds of Maryland and US KIA vets on the Wall of Faces. I have been involved in finishing many western states in placing a name with a face for the Memorial Wall. I was a 2 tour combat infantryman, Ranger 1967-1969. Now live in New Market, MD.
Great Job!
Dan