Historical Monuments Could Find New Homes in Museums

Many of those arguing about the removal of Confederate monuments cite the historical importance of said structures and the four-year Confederacy (and its symbols) are said to be about heritage rather than hate.

Well, apparently, present times and the future are more important to authorities in Mobile who made the decision to move a bronze statue of Admiral Raphael Semmes from a street in downtown Mobile in favor of it being placed in the History Museum of Mobile.

According to the Associated Press, Mobile’s Mayor Sandy Simpson said that the statue will be placed into the appropriate historic context and that moving the statue from public display was the right thing to do for the community going forward as the values represented by the monument a century ago are not the values of Mobile in 2020.

Of course, this move did not come without opposition. Attorney General Steve Marshall said the city could be subject to the $25,000 fine for permanently moving the statue, as the action could violate a state law protecting monuments over 40 years old.

This is not unlike the legal action brought against the city of Birmingham for removing a confederate monument, which Mayor Randall Woodfin said would be worth the fine, as the statue caused unrest in the city. Full story.

Moving such monuments to museums seems to be a good compromise.

Those who want to honor their “heritage” may still do so in public facilities, designed to keep memories alive in very much the same way those who may have had indigenous heritage may travel to archaeological parks and museum to learn more about those who came before them.

6 Ways To Thank Health Care Workers