WE WERE HERE:
Potter's Field
A NOMA 2024 CONFERENCE LEGACY PROJECT
The National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) has championed the voice and visibility of underrepresented designers in the built environment for over 50 years. Today, it supports a growing network of professionals working toward equity, justice, and excellence in architecture. The annual NOMA Conference is a flagship event that brings together architects, students, and allies for workshops, networking, and to deliver lasting a community impact. Baltimore was selected as the host city in 2023, a decision inspired by the rich history embedded in the City's built environment, designed by historic-Black architects as well as the present-day work to empower communities through design.
The "We Were Here: Potter's Field" project aims to honor the memory and highlight the legacy of those buried in Baltimore's Western Public Cemetery, also known as West Potter's Field, in the historic neighborhood of Cherry Hill. West Potter's Field was previously used for the burial of unknown or indigent individuals, a reflection of Baltimore's past attitudes towards poverty and death. Cherry Hill, today, is known as a community and neighborhood with a rich history yet, this vital part of it's narrative has been lost through the generations. This project is important to the future of Cherry Hill because it will foster a deep connection between past and present residents, ensuring that the stories of those buried in West Potter's Field are honored, remembered, and celebrated. Through this collaborative effort, the community will have even more tools at their disposal to create a meaningful and respectful recognition of it's history-strengthening it's cultural and historical identity in Baltimore City.
NOMa'S IMPACT
LEGACY PROJECTS
The Legacy Project is a community-centered design initiative held annually in the host city of the NOMA Conference. This annual tradition started over 14 years ago to provide the generous host city an impactful act of support by way of conference attendees. This event brings together architects, students, and community members to co-design and deliver a lasting built intervention that addresses local needs and celebrates cultural identity.
LOST HISTORY
POTTER'S FIELD
The "We Were Here: Potter's Field" project aims to honor the memory and highlight the legacy of those buried in Baltimore's Western Public Cemetery, also known as West Potter's Field, in the historic neighborhood of Cherry Hill. West Potter's Field was previously used for the burial of unknown or indigent individuals, a reflection of Baltimore's past attitudes towards poverty and death.
THE PROPOSAL
CONNECTION TO THE PAST
Potter's Field is a powerful connector between education, community, and history. It plays a role as both a learning landscape and a gathering place that restores pride, fosters intergenerational connection, and keeps Cherry Hill's legacy alive. Through reflection, and shared experiences, the space can promote healing, resilience, and continuity-ensuring that the community's story remains visible and
forever evolving.
Application is no longer available.
THANK YOU TO OUR COLLABORATORS
The NOMA Conference Planning Team was part of a larger group of stakeholders that organized and facilitated the design charette held on October 24, 2024 at the Middle Branch Fitness and Wellness Center. This collaboration has been documented within the contents of this document titled, We Were Here: Potter's Field.
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE RESIDENTS OF CHERRY HILL, CHERRY HILL COMMUNITY COALITION, CHERRY HILL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, CHERRY HILL STRONG. AS WELL AS OUR EVENT SPONSOR, AIA BALTIMORE.