Danae Peguero-Bueno

Museums, Galleries and Heritage Postgraduate Researcher

Project Title: DE-COLONIAL ZONE: Authorising Heritage Management Practices and the Potential of Participatory Approaches in the Dominican Republic

Supervisors: Prof Areti Galani, Prof John Pendlebury and Dr Nick Rush-Cooper

I am a conservation architect and heritage consultant with 16 years of experience in colonial heritage sites across the Caribbean and Latin America. My PhD research developed culturally relevant methodologies for heritage management, including participatory approaches. I strive to transform traditional heritage narratives, promoting inclusive practices that acknowledge diverse voices in colonial sites.

My research examines heritage management in the Colonial City of Santo Domingo, the first European settlement in the Americas. It explores how official narratives and approaches to colonial heritage impact indigenous and African influences. Using a decolonial perspective, I employed innovative methods like the 'coro' (a Caribbean-inspired focus group) and social media analysis to integrate marginalised voices. Three case studies investigate how management structures, representation, and conservation shape heritage values. The study challenges traditional concepts of authenticity and integrity, proposing an expanded values framework. It advocates for inclusive practices in heritage management, contributing to both theory and practice, and offers insights into decolonizing heritage approaches in post-colonial contexts.

My research focuses on critical approaches to heritage management, particularly in Latin American and Caribbean contexts. I investigate the intersection of colonial heritage, indigenous histories, and African influences in World Heritage Sites. My interests include developing culturally relevant and innovative methodologies for heritage conservation. I am passionate about advocating for inclusive practices that acknowledge diverse voices and complex histories. My work aims to transform heritage conservation strategies, integrating participatory approaches and critical perspectives to foster a more equitable understanding of cultural heritage.

I am passionate about creative writing, particularly poetry, mystery, and historical fiction. Currently, I'm working on a short story titled "Things that Go Inside," which explores the intriguing history of an abandoned colonial house. This project allows me to blend my love for storytelling with my professional interest in architectural conservation.