As the author of these essays – which I began writing in 2020 and have continued to develop through thoughtful feedback and reflection – I’ve attempted to explore systemic bias within heritage conservation and historic preservation. My nine interconnected theses suggest we must examine our field’s fundamental assumptions about preservation work, including how our currentContinue reading “Excavating Inequality”
Tag Archives: Historic House Museums
One-night Stand: Living in the Shadows of a Diagram
I entered this one-night stand in a state of transition, personally and professionally. I hoped an overnight stay at the Pope Villa would take my mind off my situation and redirect my thinking outward. No such luck. Pope Villa, located in Lexington, Kentucky, was designed in 1811 by Benjamin Henry Latrobe for Senator John PopeContinue reading “One-night Stand: Living in the Shadows of a Diagram”
A Solemn Visit
Twisted Preservation embarked on a profound and challenging journey through the haunting landscape of the Southampton Slave Insurrection, an event so raw and contentious that even its name remains a point of debate. Some refer to it as the Nat Turner Rebellion, while others argue for terms like “uprising” or “revolt” to better capture itsContinue reading “A Solemn Visit”
One-Night Stand: Walking Home Purple
Old Salem Tavern Sneaking into my mom’s kitchen pantry, I marveled at the myriad pasta types. Our Italian-American family had so many varieties. Slyly, I’d lift several boxes, and once back in my bedroom/art studio, I would spread out my loot. Back then, my bedroom was my sanctuary, a place to draw and make buildingContinue reading “One-Night Stand: Walking Home Purple”
Freedom of Speculation
The question in my mind is whether a natural inclination for speculation removes one to a place outside of the possibility for “doing”? At what point is the critical observer no longer able to engage in the very thing that he/she observes?
Twisted Preservation 