Collecting Stories Oral History and Community Engagement in Urban Redevelopment
Date of Award
2010
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Brain, David
Keywords
Oral Histories, Galilee Cemetery, Newtown, Urban Redevelopment, Community
Area of Concentration
Social Sciences
Abstract
This thesis examines the ways that oral history can be used as a tool for both planning professionals and community members in urban redevlopment. Oral histories can allow planners, architects, and developers to see how people use urban spaces in their daily lives. Second, oral histories are useful in that they can help to build a sense of identity that is situated in place and the history of a place. Learning the history of the place where one lives can help to build a sense of pride and involvement in the process of redevelopment. The first section of the thesis explores the history of redevelopment initiatives in the U.S. and considers the importance of community participation. The second section of the thesis looks at history and place, starting with a conceptual understanding of place based on Thomas Gieryn�s discussion of the sociology of place. The next section looks at historic preservation as part of place-based community building, and discusses oral histories as a tool for redevelopment. The final section is an analysis of two oral histories collected in the Newtown community, in connection with the Task Force formed for the preservation of the Galilee Cemetery. This analysis illustrates the value of place-based oral histories as a tool for community involvement and a way of engaging the community.
Recommended Citation
Wolf, Ryann, "Collecting Stories Oral History and Community Engagement in Urban Redevelopment" (2010). Theses & ETDs. 4359.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/4359
Rights
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