Summary Of Upon The Ruins Of Slavery By Roger C. Aden

What is the purpose of a museum or a historic site? On the surface, many would indicate that it is education. Through his monograph, Upon the Ruins of Slavery: Slavery, the President’s House at Independence National Historical Park, and Public Memory, Roger C. Aden argues that the purpose of a museum is much more complex than that, and it varies from person to person. He examined the various processes and problems that occur in the creation of a historical site. Specifically, Aden examines Independence National Historical Park. Aden begins his exploration with a story regarding George Washington, the nation’s first president. He articulates that when the President’s House was established in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Washington wanted to …show more content…
He discusses how power structures influence the trajectory of a site design wise and narratively. The broader question he explores is How to deal with the President’s House in relation to the proximity of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Further, in the end, was this addressed effectively and appropriately. The problem with the construction of this site was that there were so many opinions and perspectives about the story that should be told and the methods of telling such stories. Questions about how to symbolize slavery effectively and how to tell their story were the most …This teteous task spaned eight years.
Two ways that museums .. is through educating and provoking. The goal was to create a balance and a link from the history of founding fathers and the creation of the early republic and the issue of slavery, the practices of such and the enslavers themselves. Community engagement is also important. There was a variety of opinions regarding what needed to be accomplished. This also leads to the notion that museums and historic sites should be collaborative. Aden further articulates that publics are often driven by aesthetics and politics. (ADD