Established in 1969, the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture is the nation’s first-ever ethnic commission and has a 50-year track record of exploring, researching, commemorating and preserving important places associated with the African American history of the Old Line State. On this week’s PreserveCast, we’re talking with Chanel Compton, the Executive Director of the Commission, about their work and the exciting future of African American preservation in Maryland and beyond.
The Commission is the oldest ethnic commission in the nation and doesn’t just talk about preserving history – it directly invests millions of dollars in brick-and-mortar projects across the state. It’s a Maryland story with national implications and one we had to bring to PreserveCast.
MORE ABOUT OUR GUESTChanel Compton is inspired and passionate about her role as Executive Director for the Banneker-Douglass Museum (BDM) and Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture (MCAAHC). She also currently serves as Board Chair of the Prince George’s African American Museum and Cultural Center and board member to Afro Charities, Maryland Humanities and Future History Now. Compton has been a life-long supporter of museums; stating, “A museum can be such a powerful place. As a young person, it was my initial visit to museums and galleries that opened my eyes and mind to new perspectives, cultures, and history. African American museums are instrumental in inspiring a new generation of leaders and innovators because it is a place of empowerment, of learning, and a place of individual and collective transformation.” As Executive Director of BDM and MCAAHC, Compton is dedicated to serving arts communities and artists in Maryland. She has a home and art studio in Baltimore, Maryland.
PreserveCast Ep. 93: Ghosts, Mysteries, and Creepy Histories with Mindie Burgoyne and the Second Annual PreserveCast Spooktacular
PreserveCast Ep. 92: Unpacking the Phillips Packing Plant with Katie Parks White and the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy
PreserveCast Ep. 91: Preserving Cultural Landscapes with Dr. John Sprinkle and the National Park Service's Park History Program
PreserveCast Ep. 90: Grassroots Preservation with Carrie Albee and the Frederick County Landmarks Foundation
PreserveCast Ep. 89: Down in the Shenandoah Valley with Kristie Kendall and the Piedmont Environmental Council
PreserveCast Ep. 88: Incorporating Contemporary Sound in Historic Spaces with Ian Hoffman
PreserveCast Ep. 87: Myth Busting Historic Tax Credits with Renee Kuhlman
PreserveCast Ep. 86: Saving Historic Ellicott City with Mary Catherine Cochran
PreserveCast Ep. 85: Modernizing Historic Annapolis with Karen Theimer Brown
PreserveCast Ep. 84: Two-Stepping Through Dance Hall Country with Steph McDougal
PreserveCast Ep. 83: Exploring Harriet Tubman's Dorchester County with Amanda Fenstermaker
PreserveCast Ep. 82: Deep Sea Diving with Dr. Robert Neyland
PreserveCast Ep. 81: Flying Through Aviation History with Andrea Cochrane Tracey
PreserveCast Ep. 80: Keeping Historic Savannah Authentic with Daniel Carey
PreserveCast Ep 79: Hands-On Preservation with Matt Hankins of Worcester Eisenbrandt
Re-release Ep. 24 Diners, Dueling Grounds, and Dives: Roadside Architecture and the Anacostia Trails Heritage Area with Aaron Marcavitch
Re-Release Ep. 03: Underwater Archaeology with Dr. Susan Langley
PreserveCast Ep. 78: America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places
PreserveCast Ep. 77: Keeping NOLA Hip and Historic with Danielle Del Sol
PreserveCast Ep. 76: Preservation Buffalo Style with Jessie Fisher
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