Instructions This assignment invites you to deepen your understanding of historical events, cultures, and societies by critically engaging with artifacts and exhibits at a history museum (either in-pe Original Papers

Instructions

This assignment invites you to deepen your understanding of historical events, cultures, and societies by critically engaging with artifacts and exhibits at a history museum (either in-person or virtual) or a historical site. Through this exploration, you will analyze how history is presented, evaluate its significance, and connect these insights to course material.

Instructions

Visit a Historical Site or Museum

-Choose a history museum or historical site related to American history before 1877. This may be an in-person or virtual visit.

-Explore the exhibits thoroughly, paying close attention to those that align with topics covered in class.

Select Three Artifacts or Exhibits

-Identify three artifacts or exhibits that relate to a central theme or topic from the course.  Examples:  The American Revolution.  The Civil War.  Abolition.  

-Take detailed notes, including descriptions, historical context, and any curatorial explanations provided.

Conduct a Critical Analysis

Your analysis should be structured as follows:

Description of the Artifacts/ExhibitsProvide a detailed account of each artifact, including:

-Title or name

-Time period

-Creator (if known) Usually the Museum itself or a staff person.  

-Key details from museum descriptions

Historical Significance

-Explain the importance of each artifact or exhibit in understanding its historical period.

-Discuss how it contributes to a broader understanding of the era or event.

Connection to Course Material

-Relate your selected artifacts to specific topics, readings, or discussions from class.

-Use at least three academic references, which may include course readings, museum documentation, and outside academic sources.

Museum Interpretation and Presentation

-Evaluate how the museum presents the artifacts. Consider:

Does it provide adequate historical context?

Are there any biases or missing perspectives?

How might these choices shape visitors’ understanding of history?

Personal Reflection

-Share your thoughts on the experience. Consider:

What did you learn?

Did any exhibit challenge or change your perspective on history?

Visual Documentation

-Include photographs or images of the artifacts (if permitted) and supplemental visuals to support your analysis.

Supporting Documentation

-Much of your project can be your own thoughts and observations but do include some properly cited museum website information, our textbook and/or additional sources. YOU MUST HAVE AT LEAST THREE CITATIONS (one from our textbook, one from the museum’s brochure or website and a third from any academic source)!

Submission Options

Option 1: PowerPoint Presentation

-Minimum of five slides.

-Include both text and visuals.

-Speaker notes or a narrative should provide a detailed explanation.

-Use APA, MLA, or Chicago citation style (History majors are encouraged to use Chicago Style).

Option 2: Video Presentation

-Length: 3-5 minutes.

-Incorporate relevant visuals (artifact images, diagrams, historical maps, etc.).

-Ensure clear audio and smooth presentation.

-Use APA, MLA, or Chicago citation style (History majors are encouraged to use Chicago Style).