Memorial Controversies in Washington, D.C.

Session Abstract

Memorials are often magnets for controversy. Multiple monuments in Washington, D.C have been the focus of debates over history, memory, and American identity. Debates have centered on monuments’ meaning, location, and the artistic choices of their creators. From the National Mall to the statuary hall of the U.S. Capitol, the memorial landscape of the city tells a story, both intended and unintended, about American identity, race, class, war, peace, ability, and disability. The speakers on this roundtable will describe some of the processes and controversies that have shaped that narrative.

A map will be posted online so that audience members can visit the memorials in question either before or after the session.