Heather A. Warfield speaks with Rebe Huntman about her memoir, 'My Mother in Havana: A Memoir of Magic and Miracle.' The conversation explores themes of pilgrimage, grief, and the search for identity through the lens of motherhood and spirituality. Rebe shares her personal journey of reconnecting with her mother after her passing, the significance of artifacts from her pilgrimage, and the transformative power of writing her memoir. The discussion also delves into the spiritual practices encountered in Cuba, including Santeria and ancestral worship, and how these experiences have shaped Rebe's understanding of being held by both her biological and spiritual mothers.

Takeaways:

*Pilgrimage is a process that spans decades.*

*Artifacts collected during a pilgrimage hold deep meaning.*

*Grief can reopen at different stages of life.*

*The search for the mother is a quest for identity.*

*Spiritual practices can provide healing and connection.*

*Ancestral worship can be a vital part of spirituality.*

*Transformation often requires stepping into discomfort.*

*Cuba's spiritual traditions offer a broad understanding of motherhood.*

*Writing can be a powerful tool for healing and understanding.*

Rebe Huntman is a memoirist, essayist, dancer, teacher, and poet who writes at the intersections of feminism, world religion and spirituality. For over a decade she directed Chicago’s award-winning Danza Viva Center for World Dance, Art & Music and its dance company, One World Dance Theater. Huntman collaborates with native artists in Cuba and South America, has been featured in Latina Magazine, Chicago Magazine, and the Chicago Tribune, and has appeared on Fox and ABC. A Macondo fellow and recipient of an Ohio Individual Excellence award, Huntman has received support for her debut memoir, My Mother in Havana: A Memoir of Magic & Miracle, from The Ohio State University, Virginia Center for Creative Arts, Ragdale Foundation, PLAYA Residency, Hambidge Center, and Brush Creek Foundation. She lives in Delaware, Ohio and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

The conversation between Heather A. Warfield and Aaron Heft explores the deep connections between the towns of Fismes and Fismette in France and the State of Pennsylvania, particularly the town of Meadville. This connection stems from events during the First World War, and has been ongoing since that time through acts of pilgrimage. Aaron shares personal stories and artifacts from his pilgrimages to these towns, highlighting the significance of shared experiences among soldiers across generations. The discussion also delves into the impact of war on communities, and the importance of memorials. The conversation explores the themes of memory, commemoration, and the psychological impact of war on veterans. It delves into how monuments reflect societal attitudes towards war, the sorrow experienced by those affected by conflict, and the significance of pilgrimages in helping veterans find meaning in their experiences. The discussion also touches on the evolving perspectives on war and memory, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the human cost of conflict and the healing potential of revisiting battlefields, memorials, and cemeteries. This episode draws from Aaron's chapter in the forthcoming anthology "Pilgrimages to the Western Front of World War 1: Historical Exemplars and Contemporary Practices," edited by Heather A. Warfield, Stéphane Michonneau, and Franck Viltart (published in 2025).

Takeaways:

*The significance of pilgrimage artifacts in connecting past and present.**Personal connections to historical sites enhance the pilgrimage experience.**Physical locations evoke strong sensory memories of past experiences.**The emotional impact of visiting battlefields is profound for service members and veterans.**Pilgrimage practices have evolved but remain rooted in shared experiences.**Monuments serve as reminders of victory and sacrifice.**Pilgrimages can evoke feelings of sorrow and loss.**The transformation of landscapes post-war symbolizes rebirth*.*The relationship between the US and France is unique.**Commemoration efforts often stem from a desire to honor fallen comrades.**Pilgrimages provide a means for veterans to connect with their past.**The concept of pilgrimage can reshape our understanding of war and memory.*

Aaron Heft is a military historian based in the Washington D.C. area. He completed his BA at Gettysburg College, and MA at Norwich University, and has served in various roles from infantryman to operations NCO in the Army and Army National Guard for the past 18 years, and currently works as a Historian for the U.S. Army Center of Military History. His research focuses on National Guardsmen in the American Expeditionary Force in World War I, including the post-war pilgrimages to battlefields by veterans and military organizations. Aaron also regularly travels to France to conduct "staff rides" for military units, connecting professional military education with pilgrimages practices.

Heather A. Warfield delves into her research to establish an artistic connection between the “Devil Dog” fountain head and Pierre Louis Rouillard’s Chienne et les petits sculpture, which was fabricated by the Durenne Foundary in Sommevoire. Highlights include the research process undertaken to uncover their origins, and the fieldwork conducted at the Louvre and in Champigny-sur-Marne to establish links between these artworks and the fountain. The findings suggest a deeper cultural and historical narrative surrounding the sculptures and their relevance today.