Donna Graves is nationally known for developing projects that weave together history, preservation, art and authentic community participation. Her practice includes innovative interpretative projects, historic preservation services, public program design, and public art management with an emphasis on social equity and sense of place. Her projects have ranged from films to site-specific art to historic context reports and landmark nominations that seek to expand understanding of American cities and cultural landscapes. Most recently Graves has added a focus on climate change to her place-based work. She is developing a toolkit for the National Park Service that brings history and human-centered narratives into their interpretation about climate change. In 2022, she will bring this approach to sites in England through a Fulbright Specialist Project.Graves is a recognized researcher, author, and speaker. Her clients include federal, state and local agencies, community non-profits, advocacy groups, architects and designers.Services include:Interpretive project development and implementation Curating exhibits, public programs, new media and site-specific art that authentically connects to diverse audiencesHistoric context reports and surveysAreas of expertise:
American social history, California history, history of the built environment
Community engagement practices including dialogues, collaborations and partnerships
Public programs and interpretive strategies for diverse audiencesBringing climate change education and mobilization to historic sites