IMMERSED IN CULTURE: HBCU INTERNS AT WAYNE NATIONAL FOREST
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Posted By: Catalina Deossa on July 12, 2024 The Cultural Heritage in the Forest (CHIF) HBCU Internship Program, now in its third year, is a collaborative effort between the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), the USDA Forest Service, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This initiative aims to address the underrepresentation of diverse perspectives in the field of historic preservation by providing hands-on training and immersive experiences in cultural resources management, historic preservation, and conservation to nine students from various HBCUs across the nation. The program commenced with a week of virtual orientation programming, setting the stage for an enriching four-week journey. From June 10-15, the interns, accompanied by their faculty advisors, embarked on their first field experience in Wayne National Forest, Ohio. Here, they engaged with Forest leadership, heritage program staff, and the Miami Indian Tribe Tribal Historic Preservation Officer. They explored significant historical sites within the forest, including Civilian Conservation Corps-era Black history sites, Vesuvius Cemetery, and Payne’s Crossing Farmstead. Activities encompassed archaeological testing, stewardship projects, and archaeological surveys, providing practical exposure to preservation practices in a real-world context. The following week, from June 17-21, the interns continued their journey in Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia. They met with forest leadership, preservation partners, Seneca Nation representatives, and curators from the Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex. The itinerary included visits to sites such as Pleasant Green Church and School, Seneca Rocks Discovery Center, and Spruce Knob. Highlights of this leg included an artifact workshop and conditions assessments of historic properties, emphasizing adaptive reuse and the importance of cultural heritage preservation. The program culminated in Washington, D.C., from June 24-27, where interns engaged directly with Forest Service and ACHP leadership. They participated in career workshops, contributed to stewardship efforts at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Georgetown, and gained insights into the broader significance of historic preservation in national policy and practice. Throughout the internship, students were guided by faculty advisors from Prairie View A&M University and Elizabeth City State University. They benefited not only from fieldwork and coursework but also from networking opportunities with professionals in the field of historic preservation. This exposure equips them to pursue careers in the USDA Forest Service through programs like the USDA Forest Service Pathways Program, leveraging their experiences to contribute to the ongoing stewardship and conservation efforts across the nation's 193 million acres of forest lands. The CHIF HBCU Internship Program is a pivotal initiative fostering diversity within historic preservation while preparing the next generation of leaders in cultural heritage conservation. By bridging academic learning with practical field experiences and networking opportunities, the program empowers HBCU students to make meaningful contributions to the preservation and management of our nation's rich cultural heritage. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Catalina Deossa
Archaeologist, CHRONOS SAS Florida Int`l Univ class of 2011 Member Since April 2024 |
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