The People’s Studio Practicum (PsP)

“The Practice of Democracy,” and The People’s Studio Practicum came to St. Michael’s as part of its Trenton oral history project, documenting the past of Trenton’s Coalport district. Founder, April de Simone was interviewing Fred Vereen, Jr, our Senior Warden. Fred’s family had roots in the old section of Trenton that was wiped away by “urban renewal” of the 1960’s. Her visit just happened to coincide with the installation of the Brearley Legacy Center, when we shared our plans to create the David Brearley Constitution Center. The discussion moved to the Trenton Cemetery Coalition and the downtown heritage church collaborative formed with 1st Presbyterian , Friends’ Meeting, and the Trentoniana Archives of the City Library. All in all, it became quite clear our work was aligned, and a partnership was created to amplify our efforts through the NJ Economic Development Authority’s A.R.T. grant

Not coincidentally, the proposal title is called “Amplified.” PsP is requesting $500,000 to help develop the downtown heritage area. The project will assist St. Michael’s in its growing role in historical education, adding the stone-cutter’s shed & demonstration area in the cemetery cul-de-sac alongside Brearley’s grave and a visitor’s center under the organ loft opening out to Pauline Savage’s tomb (part of our growing ‘Cemetery Challenge’). We are extremely excited to add April De Simone and “The Practice of Democracy” as one of our partner’s and are including her entire resume with the hopes that you will be as excited as us! St. Michael’s shall truly be part of the practice of democracy!!

[links on the pages below are not active, but a link to one of them has been included at the bottom of each page]

Click on the page below to see one of April’s “Living Room Talks” from her home on Pericardis Place, Trenton, where she has lived since 2004.

This Land Project – (click to see what this is all about!)

A Coalport Revival – Trenton NJ (& we know you want to see this)

Oberlandeer Prize. Forum — April de Simone (click to see April’s presentation in Texas

DESIGNING the WE… (MEET the award-winner, April de Simone) (click link to see this Youtube)

DEMOCRACY IS….At a Glance.. (click link to see this project!)