"Building community one story, one engagement at a time."

Goal: To collaborate with historic sites, landscapes, and descendant communities in telling whole-truth histories—stories that reveal the full human experiences of the enslaved, the free, and their descendants. The Cultural Roots Society is committed to transforming how history is interpreted across heritage spaces by integrating research, technology, and lived memory. Through partnerships grounded in respect and shared authority, we work to ensure that the physical and cultural landscapes of the past speak honestly to the present, and inspire equity and understanding for future generations. Summary of Programs: Site Interpretation Partnerships The Cultural Roots Society partners with historic estates, plantations, and commemorative Black landscapes to design interpretive frameworks that center descendant voices and truthful narratives. These collaborations involve on-site research, staff training, and exhibition planning that illuminate the lives, labor, and resistance of enslaved people. By working side-by-side with local communities and descendant advisors, the Society helps sites move beyond traditional narratives toward more inclusive, restorative storytelling. Digital Heritage Initiative Through the use of AI, GIS mapping, and data visualization, this initiative brings together archival documents, oral histories, and archaeological evidence to reconstruct the social and geographic worlds of enslaved and free Black communities. The Digital Heritage Initiative transforms historical records into interactive, accessible tools—allowing educators, researchers, and the public to explore ancestral landscapes, trace family connections, and visualize community change over time. Public Exhibitions The Society curates immersive exhibitions that integrate artifacts, archival findings, and descendant narratives into unified stories of heritage, resilience, and innovation. These exhibitions are presented in collaboration with partner sites and museums, providing both physical and digital experiences that invite visitors to engage emotionally and intellectually. Each exhibition serves as a bridge between the past and present—encouraging reflection on how the legacies of enslavement continue to shape our collective identity. Community Consultation Descendant engagement is at the heart of every project. Through structured listening sessions, oral history gatherings, and co-curation workshops, the Society ensures that interpretation is guided by those whose ancestors lived the history being told. This consultative approach transforms heritage practice into an act of collaboration, respect, and healing—positioning descendant communities as co-authors of public memory. Impact: These initiatives enrich public understanding by revealing the whole truth of American history—one that honors the endurance, creativity, and humanity of the enslaved and their descendants. By combining scholarship, technology, and community leadership, The Cultural Roots Society helps transform heritage sites into spaces of truth-telling and remembrance. The result is a deeper public connection to history, a more inclusive cultural record, and a shared commitment to justice through memory.