Memorials for the Future: Designing a Memorial for the 21st Century

Washington, D.C., is filled with monuments that evoke a sense of national heritage and identity — but how might we develop and experience the next century’s memorials, telling more of America’s stories?

A panel of experts discusses these topics and the relationship of commemoration to memory, identity and place making in the nation’s capital. Moderated by Jason Schupbach, director of design programs at the National Endowment for the Arts, panelists include Edward T. Linenthal, history professor at the University of Indiana; Brent Leggs, a Preservation Division senior field officer with the National Trust for Historic Preservation; and artist Janet Echelman.

Prior to the discussion, David van der Leer, executive director of the Van Alen Institute, will announce the three finalist teams for the Memorials for the Future ideas competition. Presented in partnership with the National Capital Planning Commission, the National Park Service and the Van Alen Institute.