Bridging the Gap through Public History
FAIN: AB-253419-17
Bethune-Cookman University (Daytona Beach, FL 32114-3012)
Anthony Dixon (Project Director: June 2016 to March 2021)
A two-year project that would establish a center for
historic preservation at Bethune-Cookman University and that would enhance the
program in public history at the institution.
The intent of this program is to bridge the gap between academia and the public through research, publications, presentations, and public programming while training the next generation of historic preservationists. In order to accomplish this goal, this project will assist in the creation of a Historic Preservation Center. This center will provide academic research (which includes preservation practicums) with public programming (which is geared toward community development through historic preservation). The creation of a new Public History academic program completes the foundation necessary to complete the overall task at hand. It will be combined the Swisher Library Archives and the Mary McLeod Bethune Foundation and Museum. However, the creation of a Historic Preservation Center will consolidate the work and efforts of the three entities in a concerted effort.