E. Arnold Modlin

Dr. E. Arnold Modlin, an Associate Professor of Geography at Norfolk State University, serves as Department Chair and specializes in cultural and historical geography. His research explores the intersections of memory, emotions, and senses in shaping racial identities at museums and historic sites in the U.S. South and the Caribbean, with a focus on dismantling systemic racism in heritage spaces.

• Academic Rank: Associate Professor
• University: Norfolk State University
• School: College of Liberal Arts
• Department: Department of Geography
• Email: eamodlin@nsu.edu

His research delves into racism and tourism, examining how historic plantations perpetuate exclusionary narratives. He analyzes affective inequality in museum experiences and advocates for inclusive heritage interpretation to confront the realities of slavery and racialized landscapes.

Key trends in his publications include critical analyses of plantation tourism, commodification of memory, and spatial narratives that reinforce racial hierarchies. His work spans interdisciplinary themes in geography, history, and cultural studies, emphasizing the need for anti-racist museum practices.

Dr. Modlin teaches courses such as Principles of Geography, Geography of Slavery, and Disability Geographies, integrating experiential learning methods. He actively collaborates with academic peers and contributes to debates on heritage representation and social justice in the U.S. South and Caribbean.