Ayanna Deleuze testifies on CBH exhibition
Ayanna Deleuze, a master's student at CUNY, testifies about visiting the Center for Brooklyn History and learning about its exhibition on the Battle of Brooklyn. She highlights the center's inclusive research library and upcoming exhibition on Puerto Rican Brooklynites.
Good afternoon, everyone.
My name is Ayanna Deleuze.
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, and I'm currently a master's student at the CUNY Graduate Center.
This past March, I had the opportunity to visit the Center for Brooklyn History with my public scholarship class to learn about their current exhibition, The Battle of Brooklyn, Fought and Remembered.
During the exhibition tour, our class learned about the work behind curating the exhibition and its storytelling.
The exhibition uses primary sources from their collection to explore how Brooklyn itself was part of a significant turning point in the American Revolution.
It also examines how the public memory of the battle has transformed, shaping how Brooklynites understand Brooklyn's revolutionary war past from the 19th and 20th centuries.
My class and I gained valuable insight into the work it takes to curate a historical exhibition for a public audience from all walks of life.
After my class and I toured the exhibition, we were invited to the Ottermer Library to look at their archival materials that didn't make it into the exhibition.
There we learned that their research library is not exclusive to professional readers and academics.
The library offers an inclusive place where anyone can utilize the space and its resources.
They welcome all members of the public, whether they want to research aspects of Brooklyn's diverse history or have a quiet place to study.
Next year, the Center for Brooklyn History will host an exhibition centering the histories of Puerto Rican Brooklynites.
As a third-generation Puerto Rican Brooklynite who is researching the understudied history
and culture of South Brooklyn's Puerto Rican community, I was ecstatic to hear this news.
In public history, we have the responsibilities to ourselves and our communities to preserve underrepresented histories and the voices of those who have lived them.
Ultimately, the core of the Center for Brooklyn History's work is a collaborative effort between the institution and the community.
Their approach makes Brooklyn histories visible, accessible, and engaging for the public.
Thank you.