During the fall of 2018, in partnership with Preservation Maryland, the Historic Preservation Studio (HISP 650) graduate course at the University of Maryland, College Park created a toolkit for LGBTQ heritage documentation in Baltimore City. The focus of this research was initially on the Waverly, Abell, and Charles Village neighborhoods in north Baltimore, and the Mount Vernon neighborhood in central Baltimore.
In recent decades, many professional preservationists have shifted their focus away from traditional narratives to the histories and places of marginalized groups, in an attempt to ensure a more holistic account of American history. This report captures this change through discussions of authorized heritage discourse (AHD), official designation of LGBTQ historic places, and use of grassroots preservation tools in marginalized communities. Each of these provide crucial insights into some of challenges facing preservation and particularly within the LGBTQ community.
This report also contains a thorough data analysis from various research methods, including interviews, archival materials, and a physical documentation case study, as well as a toolkit for the documentation of LGBTQ spaces. The Hippo, now a CVS pharmacy, was selected as the case study site for its significance within Baltimore’s LGBTQ community. In addition to being a controversial candidate for preservation because of its current use as a CVS, continued interviews and a community workshop also illuminated a darker history of gender and racial discrimination at The Hippo. In choosing the Hippo, the studio realized the opportunity to discuss a number of issues in historic preservation, including determining site significance, documentation, and interpreting multiple narratives.
A number of recommendations were also included in the conclusion of this report. These recommendations will contribute to a more effective use of the toolkit and demonstrate the possible paths forward for this project.
