National Council on Public History

PROPOSAL TYPE

Structured Conversation

SEEKING

• Seeking General Feedback and Interest
• Seeking Additional Presenters

RELATED TOPICS

• Material Culture
• Museums/Exhibits
• Social Justice

ABSTRACT

This structured conversation is meant to explore ideas together for exhibitions related to the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. Assuming that many museums and cultural institutions will commemorate this important date in 2026, this session is meant to be a conversation about how we might look past traditional exhibition narratives and workshop possibilities that include the reinterpretation of art and historical collections to explore the meanings of freedom and democracy.

DESCRIPTION

The goal for this proposal is to determine if there is interest among other historians and museum professionals to have an open dialogue about ways to approach the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. Specifically, I am interested in the exploration of the topic through non-traditional exhibition narratives. Rather than a retelling of the story of American independence, how might museums and cultural organizations develop exhibitions that ask questions about the modern meaning and understanding of freedom and democracy in the context of this historical commemoration. How can we explore this by re-interpreting historical collections, commissioning new works, etc. as a way of connecting the present with the past for museum visitors, encouraging them to ask questions. For example, the Michigan State University Museum holds a large historical and cultural collection. How might we reinterpret some of these pieces welcoming non-western, immigrant perspectives, among others, to better identify and understand diverse views about what freedom and democracy might mean?

I am hoping through this preliminary proposal, to determine if there is interest in a conversation like this at the conference and to identify others who might like to participate in a structured conversation around these ideas. Additionally, I would welcome additional panelists and feedback/suggestions about whether the structured conversation format is most appropriate. The hope is that by exchanging ideas in an open discussion many seeds will be planted for planning events and exhibitions in 2026 with ample time to submit grant proposals, etc.

If you have a direct offer of assistance, sensitive criticism, or wish to pass along someone’s contact information confidentially, please get in contact directly: Teresa Goforth, Michigan State University, [email protected]

ALL FEEDBACK AND OFFERS OF ASSISTANCE SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY JULY 7, 2023. If you have general ideas or feedback to share, please feel free to use the comments feature below.

Discussion