The Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library in Denver has been embroiled in a controversy because a number of historical relics were taken down from public display, which has angered and alarmed the local community.
The removal was a misunderstanding, according to library personnel, who further explained that the objects were removed to prevent any harm to fragile antiques.
However, community members, like former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb, contend that the problem is a lack of communication rather than preservation, particularly at a time when racial relations are delicate.
“I worked full time, went to school full time,” stated community champion and trailblazing educator Dr. Faye Rison.
With her personal accomplishments and decades of effort on display at the Blair-Caldwell Library, Rison hopes her contributions will serve as an inspiration to others, particularly Black women who are working to tear down barriers.
“I think if I can do it, they can do it. And I’ve told that to many, many women who made a difference,” she stated.
Rison expressed concern when she visited the library late last year and found her display missing. “And nobody could tell me what happened,” she stated.
Another thing that irked Webb was the silent removal of a model of a mayoral desk that had been on display on the third level.
When Webb remarked, “It’s not their stuff to move,”
He emphasized that a formal procedure involving appropriate discussion and consideration should have been followed before the exhibit was taken down.
“We have to go through the process. If there are concerns or if they want to go digital or more interactive, it has to be a process by which you do that. One, it is not good manners. It’s not even courteous to take other people’s stuff and just take it or move it without their knowledge.”
Webb’s remarks are indicative of the community’s general dissatisfaction, which was expressed at a recent town hall. Theresa Liguori, the temporary director of the library, apologized there. “We regret any erasure-related feelings. We never intended that,” Liguori remarked.
According to Rachel Vagts, director of special collections, light exposure has already seriously damaged several pieces, including an exhibit of autographed Tuskegee Airmen.
“Only one signature is still visible; we can’t get that back,” Vagts stated.
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The ownership of the items presents further difficulties for library administrators. The library does not legally possess many of the objects, which were donated informally. Liguori further explained, “If you want us to preserve or loan these items, we need proper agreements in writing.”
They claim that this stage was missed twenty years ago, and the library is now working with families to document ownership and offer more context for the artifacts.
“These artifacts carry deep stories. They deserve to be told right,” stated Museum Manager Dexter Nelson II.
The discussion about preservation, representation, and upcoming library renovations is just getting started, even though the artifacts are back on exhibit.
