How embracing cultural differences informs historic perspectives
Speaker series illustrates efforts to include diverse voices
At the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, DEAI (diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion) initiatives aren’t just buzzwords. Through countless hours of research, investigation, conversations with communities and pursuing further educational opportunities, staff members have been opening their own horizons in an effort to help promote a more inclusive history for all Delawareans.
That includes hosting speakers for internal staff events as part of the agency’s Race & Equity Committee. As a part of Delaware’s Department of State, the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ (HCA) staff also play active roles in planning how the agency’s work is carried out in programming, partnerships, outreach events and projects through the year — which includes serving on committees to foster diversity and inclusion.
“It’s about educating ourselves and trying to make space for each other,” said Meg Hutchins, HCA’s engagement and collections manager who also leads several of the internal committees. “Asking someone to come in and share an aspect of their culture like music or art can open up minds so we have fresh ideas and new ways of thinking about and engaging with a more diverse and inclusive community base.”
In the public eye, projects like LGBTQ+ History of Delaware, the Plantation Stories Project and Segregated Sands — all launched since 2022 — allow today’s generations of Delawareans to interact with never-before-told or little-known histories that helped shape the First State over the centuries.
“This is not a passing whim, but a real effort to ask how everything fits into our goals for the years to come,” Hutchins said. “Now all we have to do is empower the staff to do the real work ahead.”
The work HCA does isn’t possible without first reflecting on what historians and archaeologists themselves don’t know or have not considered. That not only includes expanding staff’s cultural awareness through engaging events like hosting informative and enlightening voices from a variety of communities, but also by following a prescribed plan to look at Delaware and its role in American history in a more inclusive way.
Thanks to HCA’s 2022-2026 strategic plan, teams across the staff have a guide to doing just that. Efforts like clearly defining terms or attending educational seminars may not seem like progress, but even small steps can still mark the beginning of an important journey.
The speaker series, held throughout 2024, included highlights on diversity in Latin American history, Asian-American history and current activism, African drumming and Nanticoke culture and corn husk doll-making, all thanks to the generous contributions of people willing to share their own unique experiences, abilities and talents.
To learn more about how HCA is practicing inclusive history, visit history.delaware.gov/2020/06/10/we-support-the-elimination-of-racial-injustice-racism-discrimination-and-exclusionary-history-we-believe-that-black-lives-matter.