UCLA Summer ONLINE Course on The Preservation of African American Cultural Heritage

During the summer, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) opens its doors to current UCLA students, visiting college students, high school students, international students, and working professionals from around the world.  We welcome you to join this community that appreciates diverse global perspectives and invite you to learn through our prestigious summer programs.

The UCLA/Getty Interdepartmental Program in the Conservation of Cultural Heritage is pleased to announce the new, ONLINE, summer course Caring for Black History: The Preservation of African American Cultural Heritage.  More information about the course can be found on the UCLA/Getty Conservation Program Summer Course site.  This course will take place over a 6-week period during Summer Session A6 (June 23 – Aug 1, 2025). 

Who can enroll?

This 4-credit undergraduate-level course is available to anyone seeking knowledge on the history and current state of African American cultural heritage preservation.   All are welcome to enroll (members of the public, museum professionals seeking professional development, students, etc.).  Applicants do not need to be currently enrolled at UCLA or any other institution.   

UCLA Summer Session Registration Site

TO ENSURE PLACEMENT ENROLL BY APRIL 15, 2025

This course will be offered through UCLA Summer Sessions with the option of course credit.  Please visit the UCLA Summer Sessions Financial Page for fee, payment, and financial aid information.  The fee for the course varies, depending on whether you are a UCLA student, UC student, or general member of the public. 

Course Description:

Caring for Black History: The Preservation of African American Cultural Heritage (CLT HTG 30). 

Summer session A6 (6/23/25 - 8/1/25)

Wednesdays & Fridays from 10:00am – 11:50am PST ONLINE.

The course covers efforts to preserve African American cultural heritage from both within Black communities and in the wider American cultural heritage sector. Discusses how the preservation of physical items and histories is linked to American values, connecting cultural heritage conservation to social movements. Spans from the study of 19th-century efforts by African American to preserve their own history to current campaigns. Uncovers roots of current diversity, equity, and inclusion challenges in cultural heritage professions. Students will incorporate local examples of African American cultural heritage into their studies and learn from real life examples.

Instructor Information:

Anya Dani (she/her) is an objects conservator specializing in community-based conservation.  She is currently the Director of Community Engagement and Inclusive Practice/Lecturer at the UCLA/Getty Interdepartmental Program in the Conservation of Cultural Heritage where she develops collaborative projects focused on preserving Black cultural heritage.  She is also a Professional Associate of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC), and a co-founder of the Black Art Conservators Group.  Previously, Anya has worked as a conservator for the Stanford University Archaeology Collections, the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, and the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs. 

Questions: Please contact Anya at anyadani@ioa.ucla.edu with any questions

Enrollment Information: https://r.summer.ucla.edu/academiccourses/register.cfm

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Anya Dani (she/her/hers)
Director of Community Engagement and Inclusive Practice / Lecturer
UCLA/Getty Interdepartmental Program in the Conservation of Cultural Heritage
anyadani@ioa.ucla.edu
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