Modern Memories : Intersections of Religion, History, and Parks in Guilford County, North Carolina

Abstract

This study explores connections between individuals' religion, external cultural forces, and collective memory within the context of Guilford County, North Carolina. Guilford County is well known for the Revolutionary War battle that took place there in 1781, for which a National Historic Military Park was established to commemorate the event. However, the emphasis placed on this park's specific history may overshadow other significant local events and historical processes, particularly those of the religious groups in the area, including Quakers, Presbyterians, and Lutherans. What are the links between the ideologies of these religious groups and the expressions of their memories? How do these groups remember history differently? Could the historical narrative be adjusted for accuracy and inclusivity of more groups? A series of unstructured interviews was conducted from a purposive sample of local residents over the summer of 2013, focusing on those individuals affiliated with Quakerism, Presbyterianism, or Lutheranism. The interviews were supplemented by archival documents and modern texts to better understand how the processes of history and memory unfolded over time. This research intends to further knowledge in both the fields of social memory and religion, as well as help park management to more adequately meet the needs of their surrounding communities. I draw from writings on Schema Theory and Conceptual Metaphor Theory for guidance interpreting the data, ultimately arguing that the narrative of Guilford's past should be combined under the single, cohesive template of `A Fight for Freedom from All Oppression'.