Ep. 37 Bellevue:The Power of Memory & Agency with Dennis DeShields

On this episode of The Parley in All Blue, Mark is joined by Dennis DeShields. Dennis is a fourth-generation descendent of Bellevue, where his father and aunt continue to reside. While visiting his grandparents in the 1980s, Dennis was consistently taken by Bellevue’s location on the Chesapeake, its community spirit, and its history. Eventually, Bellevue became a holiday and weekend retreat for Dennis, his wife Dr. Mary De Shields, and his young family. In 1998 it became their home. Since this time, the De Shields family have become committed to preserving Bellevue’s rich culture and heritage and are leading the effort to establish the Bellevue Passage Museum, a place where this history can be presented to wider audiences and serve as a center of cultural conservation for the community.

Highlights from the episode:

• What is Bellevue and why is it important? (3:47)
• Dennis DeShields’ personal connection to Bellevue (8:53)
• Bellevue Passage Museum (11:36)
• Bellevue’s history is under threat of erasure ( 22:17)
• Environmental Justice (44:44)

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Connect with Mark Dawson:

Instagram: @iammarkdawson

LinkedIN: @mark-a-dawson

Website: www.bentonmuse.com

Twitter: @Iammarkdawson