FREEDOMS LOST AND GAINED: ENTWINING PRISON HISTORY INTO THE FUTURE OF LORTON ARTS FOUNDATION
FREEDOMS LOST AND GAINED: ENTWINING PRISON HISTORY INTO THE FUTURE OF LORTON ARTS FOUNDATION
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Date
2010-05
Authors
Henry, Christine R
Advisor
Linebaugh, Donald
Citation
DRUM DOI
Abstract
The Lorton Workhouse Museum is part of a 55-acre adaptively reused
colonial revival reformatory complex in Virginia that once served the District of
Columbia. While most of the site, including dormitories, gymnasium, and farm
buildings, has been transformed by a grass-roots organization, the Lorton Arts
Foundation, into a visual and performing arts center, one cellblock building remains
as a stabilized ruin, reserved for interpretation of the site history. This project will
examine the difficult and emotional prison history and explore potential models for
integrating the narrative with the current arts use. Active public programs and audio
tours are recommended as the best method to engage visitors with the entire site, and
inspire thinking about historic and contemporary issues of social justice. Interpretive
themes that tie art and performances created by prisoners with artists working in the
reused structures are explored as a way to bring visitors into a dialogue between past
and present.
Notes
This document has had referenced material removed in respect for the owner's copyright. A complete version of this document, which includes said referenced material, resides in the University of Maryland, College Park's library collection. Masters final project submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School of the University of Maryland, College Park, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Historic Preservation. HISP 710/711 Spring 2010.