African American History
Historical Markers: History and Place Connections
Details
Presenter
Valencia Abbott, Rockingham Early College High School in Wentworth, North Carolina
Date & Time
March 12, 2025 7:30 pm Eastern
Category
African American History, Civil Rights, Public History & Spaces
Description
Historical Markers: History and Place Connections aims to explore how historical markers serve as bridges between people, the past, and the spaces they inhabit. Often overlooked, these markers act as powerful educational tools, preserving cultural memory while fostering a deeper understanding of local history and place identity. By examining the NC Civil Rights Trail and the NC Highway Historical Marker Program, this presentation showcases how markers can be used to connect classrooms with communities, revealing how history is embedded in everyday environments. However, historical markers also present challenges, including selective memory, contested histories, and the underrepresentation of marginalized voices. Addressing these issues, the presentation will discuss efforts to diversify historical narratives and make markers more inclusive. In addition, it will explore the integration of modern technology, such as QR codes, apps, and augmented reality, to make historical markers more interactive and accessible, expanding the stories they tell beyond static text. Ultimately, this presentation seeks to inspire attendees to think more critically about how historical markers shape their understanding of both history and the spaces around them.
Valencia Abbott has taught at Rockingham Early College High School in Wentworth, North Carolina, for 12 years and has 20 years of education experience. She completed a Master’s Degree in Liberal Studies and a Post Baccalaureate Certificate in African American Studies at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. In 2016, she received an Add-on Licensure for Academically/Intellectually
