The text below is a direct quote concerning the value of the project, from the website for The National Monument Audit and Monument Lab, which can be viewed in full by clicking here.
1. Historical Exploration: The project delves into the complex and evolving nature of monuments, offering valuable insights into how societies remember and memorialize their history. It emphasizes the need to redefine and reimagine the role of monuments in shaping public memory.
2. Global Contextualization: By situating the struggle over monuments within a global context, the project provides a broader perspective on the challenges faced by the United States. It recognizes that this phenomenon is not unique to the U.S. and is part of a worldwide movement.
3. Defining Monuments: The project contributes a nuanced definition of monuments as "a statement of power and presence in public," highlighting their role in making societal values visible and encouraging recognition of previously unrepresented ideas.
4. Data-Driven Analysis: The National Monument Audit is a groundbreaking study that scours extensive data on historic properties and conventional monuments across the U.S. It explores trends, debunks misperceptions, and sheds light on the dynamic nature of monuments in shaping public memory.
5. Community Engagement: The project invites individuals to explore the study set and share their observations, promoting public engagement with the topic of monuments and memorialization.
