This research paper explores how enslaved African Americans in Tennessee honored their dead through powerful burial traditions—rituals that were not only sacred but also acts of cultural survival and resistance. Focusing on three key sites across the state: the Wheat Burial Ground in Oak Ridge, Rippavilla Plantation in Spring Hill, and Cedar Grove at the modern-day Ames Plantation; this research examines what these cemeteries reveal about the lives of the enslaved and the ongoing fight to preserve their memory. By combining historical documents, oral histories, and archaeological research, the paper shows how these burial sites have been forgotten, rediscovered, or preserved—and why telling these stories today is essential for a fuller, more honest understanding of our shared past.

This paper explores the complex relationship between tourism and heritage preservation in Egypt, tracing how colonial-era Egyptology shaped Western perceptions and commodified Egypt’s cultural legacy. It argues that while tourism remains vital to Egypt’s economy, it also accelerates environmental degradation, structural damage, and the sidelining of local communities in preservation efforts. By advocating for community-based models and international collaboration, the paper connects Egypt’s struggles to broader global challenges. It demonstrates that sustainable heritage management is essential not only for safeguarding cultural identity but also for ensuring tourism supports, rather than exploits, historical sites worldwide.

This analysis of Belle Meade Historic Site and Winery explores the site’s efforts to balance its role as a tourist destination with its responsibility to interpret the history of slavery on the plantation. While Belle Meade makes commendable strides in acknowledging enslaved individuals, particularly Bob Green and Susanna Carter, the paper critiques its tendency toward tokenization, problematic language, and the absence of descendant community involvement. These issues reflect broader challenges faced by many historic sites in the U.S., where the struggle to present an honest, multidimensional portrayal of enslaved people often clashes with commercial interests and visitor expectations. The analysis connects Belle Meade’s interpretation to larger conversations about inclusive storytelling, representation, and ethical museum practices, arguing that prioritizing descendant voices, nuanced narratives, and equitable tour structures is key to reshaping how plantation histories are remembered and shared.

This paper examines the adaptive reuse of The Factory at Franklin and the May Hosiery Mills Building, demonstrating how these industrial landmarks were transformed into vibrant, multifunctional spaces while preserving their historical and architectural integrity. It argues that adaptive reuse not only safeguards cultural heritage but also supports economic revitalization and sustainable development, proving that historic buildings can serve modern communities without losing their past.By exploring these two Tennessee case studies, the paper offers insights into what strategies succeed and what challenges emerge  in adaptive reuse projects across the state, providing a framework for future revitalization efforts.

This paper argues that American slavery remains a deeply contested historical subject, with debates swinging  between views of it as a cruel, dehumanizing system and a paternalistic, "civilizing" institution. This narrative is shaped by historiographical shifts from the Dunning School’s racist portrayals to revisionist and New Left interpretations emphasizing enslaved peoples' resilience and community.  The paper highlights an overlooked gap: the absence of queer perspectives within plantation life and enslaved communities, calling for further research to uncover this missing dimension. Ultimately, it underscores the importance of continued historical inquiry to confront America’s past and prevent the resurgence of harmful myths and racial violence.