History & Preservation Subcommittee
Nora Goddard
Nora Goddard works as an architectural historian and conservation specialist with Southkick Rolf Preservation Works in New Orleans. She holds a Master in Preservation Studies degree from Tulane School of Architecture, a Bachelor of
Fine Arts from Kansas City Art Institute, and is enrolled in the University of New Orleans’ Urban Studies program. Goddard has a wide range of experience with the conservation of Louisiana’s built environment, including hands-on restoration of historic masonry, plaster, stucco, tomb and monument repair, urban archeology, archival research, and field surveys, and including participation in the 2017 restoration of the Woodland Plantation.
Kenetha Harrington
Kenetha Harrington is a historical anthropologist/ archaeologist. Harrington obtained her PhD from Louisiana State University, her Master’s degree from Saint Xavier University, and her Bachelor’s degree from Columbia College. Harrington is passionate about African American history and heritage and has dedicated her career to uncovering and preserving stories of the past. Harrington currently leads research efforts at Diaspora Research & Consulting and is an adjunct professor at Clark Atlanta University. Harrington also serves as President of the Central Louisiana African American Historical Society.
Dr. Ryan Gray
Dr. Ryan Gray is a historical archaeologist specializing in urban archaeology, with a focus on New Orleans. He serves as the Richard Wallin Boebel Professor of Anthropology and Associate Director of the Midlo Center for New Orleans
Studies at the University of New Orleans. His book, Uprooted: Race, Public Housing, and the Archaeology of Four Lost New Orleans Neighborhoods, examines neighborhoods replaced by public housing projects, highlighting the experiences of marginalized communities.
Dr. Gray is committed to public archaeology, involving students and community members in projects and developing resources like the “City Beneath the City” web-based tour via the New Orleans Historical app. His work contributes to a deeper understanding of New Orleans’ complex history, emphasizing the importance of archaeology in uncovering narratives of race, segregation, and urban transformation.
Dr. Ibrahima Seck
Dr. Ibrahima Seck: is a historian and the Director of Research at the Whitney Plantation Museum in Louisiana, where he focuses on preserving and interpreting the history of slavery in the United States. Originally from Senegal, Dr. Seck’s work draws on his deep understanding of the transatlantic slave trade and its lasting impact on African diasporic communities.
Dr. Seck authored “Bouki Fait Gombo: A History of the Slave Population of Habitation Haydel (Whitney Plantation)”, which chronicles the lives of enslaved people at the Whitney Plantation and situates their experiences within broader narratives of resistance and resilience. His research emphasizes the cultural and historical connections between West Africa and Louisiana. Through his leadership at the Whitney Plantation, Dr. Seck has been instrumental in creating a museum that centers the voices and experiences of enslaved individuals, making it a critical site for education and reflection on American slavery.
Education Subcommittee
Dr. Molly Mitchell
Dr. Mary Niall Mitchell is a distinguished historian and educator specializing in the history of slavery, race, and emancipation in the United States. As the Ethel & Herman L. Midlo Chair in New Orleans Studies and a faculty member at the University of New Orleans, she is a leading voice in public history and digital humanities. Dr. Mitchell is the author of “Raising Freedom’s Child: Black Children and Visions of the Future after Slavery”, a groundbreaking book that explores the role of Black children in shaping post-emancipation society. Her research often bridges academic scholarship with public history, bringing historical narratives to broader audiences.
As a co-director of the Freedom on the Move Project, a digital database documenting fugitive slave advertisements, Dr. Mitchell works to preserve and analyze critical records of resistance to slavery. Her expertise extends to visual culture and material history, examining how these sources illuminate the lives of enslaved and emancipated people. Committed to community engagement, Dr. Mitchell collaborates with museums, archives, and educators to promote inclusive storytelling and historical awareness. Her work continues to influence the fields of history, public humanities, and social justice initiatives.
Leon Waters
Leon Waters is a historian and social activist dedicated to uncovering and sharing the hidden histories of African American resistance in Louisiana. As the board chairperson of the Louisiana Museum of African American History and manager of Hidden History Tours, LLC, he focuses on educating the public about significant yet often overlooked events.
Waters co-authored On to New Orleans: Louisiana’s Heroic 1811 Slave Revolt, a comprehensive account of the largest slave uprising in U.S. history, which occurred in St. John the Baptist, St. Charles, and Orleans Parishes. This work highlights the revolt’s aim to establish an independent Black republic, drawing inspiration from the Haitian Revolution.
Through lectures and tours, Waters brings to light the stories of enslaved individuals who fought for freedom, emphasizing their courage and the impact of their resistance on American history. His efforts contribute to a broader understanding of the complexities of slavery and the enduring spirit of those who resisted oppression.
Derron Cook
Derron Cook is an educator, historian, and community leader in LaPlace, Louisiana, dedicated to preserving and promoting Black history. He is the founder of the Revolt1811 Museum, which highlights the legacy of the 1811 Slave Rebellion and Black heritage in St. John the Baptist Parish. Opened in 2022, the museum serves as a community hub for learning and dialogue, fostering self-worth and understanding of local history. Cook, an art and media teacher at East St. John High School, integrates Black history into his curriculum, inspiring students to embrace their heritage. In recognition of his work, he received the Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award from the National Education Association in
2023, honoring his contributions as an advocate and historian. Beyond education, Cook is an activist, organizing demonstrations addressing social justice issues and promoting community harmony. Through his roles as educator, curator, and advocate, he continues to elevate the voices and stories of Black resilience and resistance.
Amaya Cooper (staff)
Senior Administrative & Exhibitions Coordinator
Nyla Williams (staff)
Public History Fellow
Facilities Subcommittee
Clinton Micheal Bourgeois Sr. (Descendant)(staff)
Clinton Bourgeois Sr. is a lifelong resident of LaPlace. Louisiana. He attended Our Lady Of Grace Catholic School, Reserve Jr. High, Leon Godchaux High School, and was a member of the first graduating class of East St. John High School in 1979. He attended Southern University in Baton Rouge majoring in agriculture and Jefferson Vocational School in Kenner where he received his certificate in industrial mechanics.
He has been a lifelong member of Our Lady Of Grace Catholic Church where he has served as a School Board Member, Parish Council Member as well as other boards and organizations within the church. He is a member and past Grand Knight of the Knights of Peter Claver Council 73 in Reserve, Meritorious Fourth Degree Knight E.O Moss Grand Assembly New Orleans, and a current member of the St. John Parish Utility Board.
Ali Johnson (Staff & Descendant)
Facilities Manager
Dayna James
Dayna James is a business executive and community leader dedicated to fostering growth in the River Region area. As CFO of James Co. Construction and Renovation and owner of United Front Transportation Services, James brings extensive business leadership experience to the table. Working alongside her husband Chad James Sr., James oversees financial operations while managing a transportation enterprise. James’ commitment to community development is demonstrated through five years of service on the River Region Chamber of Commerce board, including two years as the Business Development Committee chair. As a three-year president of the Kiwanis Club of Tri Parishes, James led initiatives such as launching Saint John the Baptist
Parish’s first college fair, Art Festival, and organizing multiple read-a-thons in the River Region. Currently serving on the Bayou Black Chamber board, James continues to focus on strengthening the business community. James states “I believe in the power of collaboration and team oriented leadership to achieve meaningful results. My husband and I are proud parents of four children, and we remain dedicated to both business excellence and community service.
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