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USING DRONES TO RECOVER LOST HISTORY

The DRONe Project (Descendants Recovering our Names) seeks to create a new generation of  innovators in the field of digital historic preservation and drone technology with the skills to becme high-income earners via a paid workforce development program.

THE HERSTORIANS GO GLOBAL

Through the DRONe Project (Descendants Recovering Our Names), we equip young people with the tools and training to reclaim history and restore ancestral legacies that have long been hidden or erased. For many descendants of the enslaved, tracing family lineage is nearly impossible due to missing records and fragmented narratives. The DRONe Project addresses this challenge by combining drone technology, mapping, and research to help participants document the movements and contributions of their ancestors.

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Our international research efforts have revealed that enslaved Africans not only built major economies on nearly every continent, but also established enduring communities that influenced language, culture, architecture, and local traditions. By mapping these global connections, participants learn how their personal histories are part of a much larger, interconnected story that stretches beyond borders.

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The data and imagery collected through this work inform the exhibits in our We The People Museum, a virtual space dedicated to bringing these legacies to life. At the same time, participants gain hands-on experience in flight planning, geospatial mapping, and digital preservation—developing marketable skills while restoring the names, stories, and dignity of those who came before them.

Making History

Cohort 2 -
International

Travel internationally working as a Digital Historic Preservationist, and become a licensed drone pilot with international travel experience. Now accepting interest forms for 2023 - 2024 cohort. Please see flyer for eligibility details.

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The DRONe Project

The DRONe Project, Descendants Recovering Our Names, launched in 2022 as a workforce development initiative tailored for BIPOC high school girls. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by girls, particularly those from underrepresented communities, we sought to provide real-world experience within a supportive environment conducive to building confidence and leadership skills.

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To date, we have mapped two historically significant sites in San Diego, Ghana, the United Kingdom, and Portugal, studying significant historically significant sites.

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The profound impact of our program has spurred the initiation of training for 18- to 24-year-olds to staff our expanding initiatives.

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As our program flourishes, it becomes imperative to uphold our commitment to providing these invaluable opportunities at no cost to our participants. We remain steadfast in empowering BIPOC girls through innovative STEAM programming, fostering pathways to success, and reshaping historical narratives for generations to come.

SUPPORT OUR WORK

We need your help to reach our fundraising goals to provide superior quality training and access to next-level technology. No donation is too small!

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