Preservation Graduate Appointed to Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture

Preservation graduate Najah Duvall-Gabriel was recently appointed by Governor Martin O'Malley to the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture. She joins eight other appointees who hold extensive knowledge in African American history, tasked with documenting, preserving and promoting Maryland's African American heritage.

"I am very excited about contributing my expertise in the field of preservation to the administration of the new African American Heritage Preservation Grant Program," said Ms. Duvall-Gabriel.  "Maryland has such a rich and diverse heritage, and I am looking forward to doing my part to ensure that it is recognized and preserved for all Marylanders and visitors to enjoy."

The Commission's primary focus is to preserve and document the African-American experience in Maryland, specifically through research assistance and collection of historical materials - art objects, memorabilia, manuscripts, photographs, and other articles of significance to African-American history and culture. The Commission also provides exhibits, programs and resource material for the community, educational systems and institutions within the state, and works to locate and identify sites, buildings and communities of historical and cultural importance to African-American heritage. Commission members also serve as board members of the Banneker-Douglass Museum in Annapolis, MD.

"I am extremely pleased and excited to have Najah serving on this important committee that will help broaden the reach of preservation and preservation services to the African-American community," says Dr. Donald Linebaugh, director of the University's Historic Preservation Program. "This is a great example of University of Maryland's leadership in helping to diversify and broaden the impact of our discipline."

Ms. Duvall-Gabriel, who graduated in 2008 with a Masters in Historic Preservation, is currently the Assistant Historic Preservation Specialist with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation in Washington, DC. Her thesis project, "Values-centered preservation theory and the preservation planning of African-American historic resources in Prince George's County, Maryland" focused on preserving African American heritage sites in Prince Georges County.
 

The School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation at the University of Maryland is home to four academic disciplines: architecture, urban planning, historic preservation and real estate development. Committed to educating its students and community about the importance of sustainability and smart growth, the School practices an interdisciplinary approach to education, research, creative work, and community and professional service. For more information, please e-mail us or call 301.405.8000.

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