RECLAIMING HERITAGE: THE ROLE OF LAND MANAGEMENT AGENCIES IN EMPOWERING DESCENDANT COMMUNITIES AT MAMMOTH CAVE NATIONAL PARK

Abstract

This thesis examines the relationship between land management agencies, specifically the National Park Service (NPS), and descendant communities in the context of Cultural Resource Management at Mammoth Cave National Park. Focusing on the restoration of a historic cemetery and a volunteer-based relocation outreach event, the study investigates how interactions between the NPS and descendant communities influence these communities’ ability to reclaim agency over cultural resources historically denied to them. The central research question guiding this inquiry is: How do interactions between land management agencies and descendant communities influence the ability of these communities to reclaim control over management of their cultural resources in ways that have historically been denied to them? This question addresses broader themes of historical and contemporary land ownership, resource stewardship, and community empowerment.Prior research has emphasized the challenges of balancing preservation with community involvement, highlighting the exclusion of local knowledge and limited access to culturally significant sites. This research builds upon that foundation by analyzing a specific case in which descendant communities are actively seeking increased involvement in the stewardship of their heritage. It draws on theories of collaborative governance and community-based resource management, which emphasize inclusive, participatory decision-making processes. Qualitative data are drawn from publicly available sources and existing documentation related to an NPS-organized volunteer event centered on cemetery restoration and relocation. This event provided a unique opportunity for participants to share personal narratives and express perspectives on Cultural Resource Management, offering valuable insights into how community members perceive their roles, rights, and relationships with federal land agencies. The data reveal complex dynamics between the NPS and descendant communities, highlighting both opportunities for collaboration and ongoing tensions. Preliminary findings suggest that community members express a strong desire for greater autonomy and more meaningful involvement in decision-making processes related to cultural heritage. These findings offer a nuanced understanding of the mechanisms that either facilitate or hinder community participation in resource management. This research contributes to contemporary Cultural Resource Management (CRM) and archaeological practice by addressing how descendant communities can reclaim stewardship of their heritage within modern CRM frameworks. Ultimately, the study underscores the need for inclusive practices that honor local knowledge and address historical injustices in land access and Cultural Resource Management.