Mapping Community
Created to expose Buffalo’s youth to its rich history and culture, CEPA’s Mapping Community encourages in-depth exploration and photographic interpretation through research, site visits and interaction with community leaders and historians.
Mapping Community themes are customized and largely driven by the students. See below for just a few of our past explorations.
For ages 12 to 16.
Discovering the East Side
Participating youth explored the rich history and architecture of Buffalo’s East Side. With digital cameras in hand, they visited the Colored Musicians Club, the Nash House, the Michigan Street Baptist Church and the African American Cultural Center as they learned about each site’s historical significance from such community leaders as former Common Council President George Arthur and George Scott, Director of the Colored Musicians Club.
Observing Olmsted
Participating youth visited Buffalo’s Olmsted Park System, photographing and writing personal reflections about their experience. A lecture and discussion with an expert from the Olmsted Parks Conservancy exposed them to the commonly unknown history of the parks, reinforcing the idea that they were designed for everyone to visit and enjoy.
Waters of Destiny
Students used Google Maps to find their home and the closest body of water, then learned about the history, importance and beauty of Buffalo Creek, the Niagara River, Lake Erie, the Emerald Channel and Niagara Falls as they photographed their visits to Red Jacket Park, Canalside, Front Park, Broderick Park and Niagara Falls State Park.
How to Enroll in CEPA’s After School Programs
To enroll your student in Mapping Community, or to bring any of our after school programs to your community, contact CEPA’s Education Director Lauren Tent:
- By e-mail at lauren@cepagallery.org
- By phone at (716) 856-2717
Together, we can put together a customized after school program that suits the needs of your youth and your budget.
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