Max Adriel Imberman, Graduate Student, University of South Carolina
Proposal Type: Panel
Abstract: I intend to present a paper on public perceptions of historic districts as administrative and cultural definitions for a bounded area with a perceived shared history and identity. The idea of historic districts can be controversial based on what it entails, and I hope to use my experiences to share ways that the public can be engaged with the concept and the effects it can have. I will be using my experience in surveying, defining, research, and advocacy to give insights on this topic.
Seeking: I am looking for other panelists that are interested in the interplay between public and private, as well as government organizations and citizens. In addition, I would certainly be interested in people’s thoughts on my topic as well as any things they think should be addressed in my presentation.
Related Topics: Preservation, Civic Engagement, Place
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: Max Adriel Imberman, imberman[at]email.sc.edu
If you have general ideas or feedback to share please feel free to use the comments feature below.
My proposal deals with the use of local heritage resources in the university classroom, and I think we might work well together on a panel. One of the discussion topics in this class was the issue of historical preservation and the desirability and practicality of saving local historical landmarks. Since we also involved a great many community members in the class, we also touched on some of your questions dealing with public engagement and history.
From your proposal I’m not clear if you will be focusing specifically on designated historic sites (at the municipal, state, or national level) or are interested more in areas where historic connections can be drawn between properties, but where those connections haven’t been officially made (though designation). That might be something to clarify in the final proposal. I would also be interested in hearing about particularly innovative examples of community engagement.
I would be interested in hearing about how new generations of community members perceive and interact with historic districts that were preserved/protected/designated by past generations. My community is currently engaged in a very spirited debate about our historic district and the limitations it places on the use of outdoor space (terrazzo lighting and a pocket park are the current lightning rod issues). How does a community find balance between those who want to freeze time in order to preserve the look and feel of the historic district and those who (mainly for economic and public safety reasons) want to be able to adapt public space to new interests, priorities, and ideas?
I look forward to hearing this discussion!