“Mapping Memories” in East Hampton
July 25, 2016
Drs. Allison McGovern and Anjana Mebane-Cruz of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology were in the East Hampton neighborhood of Freetown recently, “Mapping Memories” of residents and descendants of the neighborhood.
L-R: Anaya Henry, Breanna Henry, Dr. Veronica Henry, Chad Henry, Dr. Allison McGovern, Dr. Anjana Mebane-Cruz and Dr. Miriam Deitsch
Some came to learn about Freetown, while others reminisced about its history. A map of Freetown and the surrounding area was on display, and attendees were encouraged to write, or “map,” their memories directly onto the map.
Another aspect of the event focused on the importance of granting landmark status to Freetown’s historic Fowler/Horton house, a dilapidated residence that was the home of a Montaukett Indian family from the 1880’s through the 1980’s. Professors McGovern and Mebane-Cruz gathered community feedback about preservation and interpretation of the site to guide the Town of East Hampton in its future plans for the house.
