WHEN CONSERVATION IS NOT AN OPTION: THE VENICE CHARTER AND CONSERVING  MONUMENTS OF OPPRESSION

Cequyna Moore

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Submission

Paper Title

WHEN CONSERVATION IS NOT AN OPTION: THE VENICE CHARTER AND CONSERVING MONUMENTS OF OPPRESSION

Authors

Cequyna Moore

Modality

Abstract

Subject area

4. Contemporary Challenges in Heritage Discourse - A critical examination of the state of the art in heritage discussions, considering the evolving perspectives and challenges that have emerged since the inception of the Venice Charter. Examining the relevance of the Venice Charter in the current context, with a focus on challenges posed by the Western divide between nature and culture, the growing importance of metropolises, social inequities, the environmental impact of human activities, disasters and conflicts, among others.

Publishing Date

11/04/2025

Country of Publishing

Brazil | Brasil

Language of Publishing

Inglês

Paper Page

https://www.even3.com.br/anais/icomos-scientific-symposium-2024-439820/867738-when-conservation-is-not-an-option--the-venice-charter-and-conserving--monuments-of-oppression

ISBN

978-65-272-1284-3

Keywords

Venice Charter, ICOMOS, monuments, heritage conservation, relocation, reinterpretation, Monuments Toolkit Project, Thomas Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, community dialogue.

Summary

The Venice Charter, established by the International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), has long provided guiding principles for the preservation and interpretation of historic monuments and sites. Although the Charter has been amended over the years to reflect evolving perspectives on heritage conservation, key articles remain central to current discussions. Articles 4-8, for example, emphasize the importance of the permanent conservation of monuments and the inseparability of a monument from the history it represents. However, these articles, while underscoring the necessity of object maintenance, often do not align with the desires and needs of communities at specific times and places. The Charter acknowledges the inherent connection between monuments and their historical context but does not fully address contemporary community dynamics and the evolving significance of these monuments. This paper explores the application of the Relocation and Reinterpretation frameworks from the Monuments Toolkit Project, focusing on the contentious statues of Thomas Jefferson and Jefferson Davis in the United States. The Monuments Toolkit Project defines these terms as follows: Relocation: The act of placing the monument in an alternate setting, away from its original location. The monument retains its original meaning, and the general public still has access to it, though it may now be on private property. Reinterpretation/Recontextualization: The process of transforming the significance of the monument. This can include the addition of interpretive materials that offer new insights, regardless of whether the monument remains in its original location. By analyzing the case studies of Jefferson and Davis statues, this paper demonstrates how relocation and reinterpretation can serve as effective strategies for aligning historic preservation with modern values and community sentiments. These strategies allow for a nuanced understanding of heritage that respects the past while accommodating present-day societal needs. The Monuments Toolkit provides a valuable resource for communities grappling with the complexities of historical monuments, promoting constructive conversations and inclusive approaches to heritage conservation. Supported by a grant from the Mellon Foundation, the United States National Committee of ICOMOS documented these practices, culminating in the Monuments Toolkit. This toolkit aims to foster dialogue and healing through the reexamination of monuments and their histories, addressing both their original intent and their contemporary implications.

Title of the Event: ICOMOS SCIENTIFIC SYMPOSIUM 2024
City of the Event: Ouro Preto
Title of the Proceedings of the event: ICOMOS 2024 Scientific Symposium Proceedings
Name of the Publisher: Even3
Means of Dissemination: Meio Digital

How to cite

MOORE, Cequyna. WHEN CONSERVATION IS NOT AN OPTION: THE VENICE CHARTER AND CONSERVING MONUMENTS OF OPPRESSION.. In: ICOMOS 2024 Scientific Symposium Proceedings. Anais...Ouro Preto(MG) Convention Center / UFOP/ UFMG Campus, 2024. Available in: https//www.even3.com.br/anais/icomos-scientific-symposium-2024-439820/867738-WHEN-CONSERVATION-IS-NOT-AN-OPTION--THE-VENICE-CHARTER-AND-CONSERVING--MONUMENTS-OF-OPPRESSION. Access in: 30/08/2025