Resolved Case
Controversial Monuments
Advising municipalities and communities navigating contested public monuments
CHP has represented clients in Richmond, VA and Charleston, SC in landmark monument removal and recontextualization cases.
As our nation continues to contend with racial and social justice issues, the meaning and fate of monuments that fail to represent our American ideals are being debated throughout the country. Our firm has been deeply engaged in several matters involving Confederate “Lost Cause” monuments.
We proudly represent clients who seek to have monuments removed from public lands, relocated, or recontextualized in order to be able to tell fully truthful history and create a more inclusive future. Not all of our representations are public, but following are some representative examples.
Advising Richmond Mayor in the Removal of Confederate Monuments from Monument Avenue
Following social justice protests after the death of George Floyd, Mayor Levar Stoney sought a strategy for immediate removal of Lost Cause statues on Monument Avenue. CHP advised Mayor Stoney in the removal of thirteen city-owned Confederate monuments, recommending that he invoke his emergency powers to quickly take down the monuments in the interest of public safety. This resulted in the removal of all but one of the city-owned Confederate monuments throughout Richmond in July 2020. Legal challenges to the Mayor’s implementation of CHP’s guidance failed.
Select Press:
Politico
"The Black, Millennial Mayor Who Torn Down His City’s White Monuments"
Representing the Circle Neighbors Before the Virginia Supreme Court
Cultural Heritage Partners represented a group of more than 50 neighbors whose homes have direct lines of sight to the Robert E. Lee Monument on Monument Avenue. Circle Neighbors supported Governor Ralph Northam’s order to immediately remove the monument. On behalf of the Circle Neighbors, CHP filed an amicus brief arguing that as a matter of US historic preservation policy, the arguments for removal were sound. In September 2021, the Court issued two unanimous rulings affirming Governor Northam’s authority to remove the state-owned monument. The Lee Monument was disassembled and relocated in December 2021.
Select Press:
ABC 8 News
“More than 50 Lee monument neighbors join the fight to take it down"
NBC 12 News
"Monument Avenue residents join fight to remove Robert E. Lee statue"
ABC 8 News
“Group fighting to keep Robert E. Lee statue up in Richmond asks Va. Supreme Court to deny briefs filed by residents seeking its removal"
Representing The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia
In late 2021 and early 2022, our firm successfully represented the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia (BHMVA) in negotiations with the City of Richmond to acquire ownership of the Confederate monuments formerly displayed throughout the city. CHP continues to advise BHMVA on a public process that will determine the ultimate disposition of these objects.
Select Press:
Washington Post
“Robert E. Lee monument, other Confederate statues could go to Richmond’s Black History Museum under deal"
BBC North America
"Virginia Confederate monuments likely headed to black history museum"
WRIC/ABC 8 News
“Black History Museum to take over Richmond confederate monuments, seeks community input on its final spot"
Channel 6 News
“Confederate veterans group miffed Black History Museum in Richmond will get statues"
Fox News
“Ownerships of Richmond’s Confederate monuments will transfer to Black history museum"
NBC 12 News
"Agreement: Richmond’s Confederate monuments headed to Black History Museum"
Smithsonian Magazine
“Richmond’s Robert E. Lee Statue Is Headed to a Black History Museum"
Defending the City of Charleston's Decisions
Cultural Heritage Partners represents the City of Charleston, SC, in three matters:
- As part of a legal team defending the City’s decision to allow the removal a road marker dedicated to Robert E. Lee from the grounds of a local public school;
- Defending in a lawsuit following the renaming of a performing arts venue from Memminger Auditorium to Festival Hall. Christopher Memminger was a slave owner and secessionist who served as the first Confederate States Secretary of the Treasury; and
- In a matter involving the removal of a statue of John C. Calhoun, an adamant defender of slavery, from a public square.
Select Press:
The Post and Courier
“Charleston responds in Robert E. Lee marker dispute after SC threatened to sue"
The Post and Courier
“City of Charleston, SC attorney general sued over Confederate-related relics"
ABC 4 News
“Descendants of John C. Calhoun sue City of Charleston over removal of monument"
Media Contact
-
Greg Werkheiser
Founding Partner
Cultural Heritage Partners, PLLC - 1717 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 1025 Washington DC, 20006
- (703) 408-2002
- greg@culturalheritagepartners.com