King on the Mall: Interactive Approaches to Monuments and Cultural Memory
This workshop will focus on ideas about history and memory through an exploration of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial on the National Mall. The King Memorial has been the subject of immense debate since its public opening in late August 2011, surrounding both its aesthetic qualities and its historical significance. During this two-hour workshop, we will cover the history of the construction of the memorial, gain knowledge about cultural theories on monuments and historic memory, and conduct on-the-ground observations about how the space of the memorial is utilized by the public. Ultimately, we will consider questions such as: What is the proper way to memorialize and represent the past? What are the potential sites, styles, and platforms of cultural memory? How does the King memorial function as a living memorial? Attendees will gain historical background and useable vocabulary to discuss the King Memorial and the monumental landscape of the National Mall.
This workshop will meet first at the top of the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, at the site of Dr. King’s iconic “I Have A Dream” speech, and then as a group we will walk over to the King memorial on the Tidal Basin for the remainder of the time. Alternate date for rain/extreme weather date TBA.
Location
Meet at the top of the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, the site of Dr. King»s historic \I Have a Dream\" speech. "
Address will be emailed upon registration.
Past event