Finding History, Together

 

Canal Plaque

Power Plant Silos

Portner Brewery

Everyone deserves the opportunity to learn about the history of where they live, work, recreate or visit. The Old Town North Alliance (OTNA) is delighted to report that we will be utilizing some of our grant money from the City of Alexandria to fund a study of historic public assets in the area, and to suggest a plan to share these assets with the broader community. 

The North Old Town Independent Citizens' Association of Alexandria (NOTICe) has agreed to help OTNA conduct this effort, to be completed by the end of 2023. The Scope of Work includes:

  1. Identify/Map OTN Historic Public Assets: Where are they today? What do they tell us about our neighborhood? Create and publish a Historic asset inventory map/database using ARC/GIS, and identify gaps in wayfinding signage, historic places panels, street signs, historic registry places & markers; interpretive artwork; digital and print histories; storyboards /walking tours & guides; within and connected to Old Town North Arts & Cultural District;

  2. Share OTN History: How can we tell the story better and connect the history & culture dots in Arts & Cultural District and Old Town North? Starting with OTN SAP Historic Interpretation Plan themes and periods, create a list of relevant historic interpretation actions in collaboration with OTN stakeholders;

  3. Collaborate to Implement Pilot and extension activities: Select and implement historic interpretation activities that continue and expand NOTICe neighborhood history activities (i.e. Webinars, Newsletter articles, Walking Tours) and create a sense of place and a walkable neighborhood. Collaborate with residents, other organizations, property owners and individuals on content creation & events in this timeframe and plan future projects;

  4. Identify/Recommend Further Actions/Needs in following years and resources for funding.

Project deliverables include a list of historic assets in Old Town North, a list of gaps in informing the public about these assets, recommendations on sharing information about the neighborhood’s history, definition and beginnings of a pilot project, and recommendations and budget for neighborhood history projects to be conducted in 2024. 

Some early project suggestions include: Streetlight pole History Panels; Historic markers/Signage; Walking Tour Docent Training; Homeowner Association Historical Timeline Plaques; OTN History Walking Tour Guide (digital/print); collecting new oral histories of early residents/workers; Storyboard Self Guided OTN History Walking Tour; self published OTN History Book; OTN History YouTube Channel.

Watch this space for updates on what this exciting effort will produce!

 

North Old Town Independent Citizens' Association of Alexandria

Waterfront, 1861

Lee-Fendall House and Garden

Child laborers working at a glass factory in Alexandria, 1911. Photo by Lewis Hine.

Linda Vitello