Changing America

Changing America is the new exhibit in the National African American History and Culture gallery located in the National Museum of American History. This exhibition parallels to huge events in American history that transformed our nation. The first event highlighted is the Emancipation Proclamation which was signed January 1, 2013. That section of the exhibition talks about what that meant for those enslaved and how their lives were transformed by the proclamation.
The second important event is the March on Washington (MOW) which occurred in 1963. In talking about the MOW, the exhibition also talks about several movements that led up to this great event. Marian Anderson singing at the Lincoln Monument, A. Phillip Randolph's failed attempt in the 1940s, and the major players in organizing the MOW like Randolph, Bayard Rustin, and others.

Exhibition Entrance 

Center Section/intro panel that shows the two different sections. I also like the A.P.R. quote. 

Harriet Tubman's shawl. 

Commemoration print of the emancipation proclamation

Another commemoration print. I actually did some research on this object as part of my internship.

Transitioning to MOW side with a wonderful MLK quote. 

A sign carried at the MOW 

Official MOW poster I believe 

The exhibition concludes with showing how the MOW also inspired other campaigns like the Poor People's Campaign, and the American Disabilities movement. 

 One of the coolest parts of this exhibition was the fact that several of the objects in the emancipation proclamation side I have done research on as part of my internship. It made my day to see them in person.
Overall, I think this is one of the best exhibitions that has been sponsored by the museum. However, my one complaint would be that it is slightly cramped mainly because of how small the gallery is. The walkway between the cases felt almost claustrophobic and I'm sure was at the minimum allowance for ADA requirements.

http://americanhistory.si.edu/exhibitions/changing-america

Time to Explore

Grad School has definitely put a damper into my blog writing. I think it's been over a year since I last updated, and I am feeling like there is a need for a change in direction. Working in museums over this last year where I have learned more and more about what good interpretation and informal learning looks like. In addition, I have been consistently asked what can museums do better, and how would I possibly change what museums are doing now. So this blog will probably get incredibly nerdy.

Of course the consequence of being in grad school for museum work means that I don't actually go to museums all that frequently. Life has a way of distracting you, and making you not want to spend even more time in a museum. However, there are some exhibits that I have been looking forward to opening, and I'm planning to go to during my winter break.

Food: Transforming the American Table, 1950-2000 at the National American History Museum
This exhibit contains Julia Child's kitchen (which I love) as one of the centerpieces. Check out the website

One Life: Amelia Earhart at the National Portrait Gallery
I have always loved Amelia Earhart, I guess being the daughter of a pilot will do that! In addition this exhibition also appears to have artifacts in addition to the various portraits!
The website 

A Will of their Own: Judith Sargent Murray and Women of Achievement in the Early Republic at the National Portrait Gallery
I just happened upon this by looking at the NPG website. The hilarious part is that my final project for my Historic Site Interpretation Class revolved around this very topic! Check out the website

While I am sure that I could add more, I find it bet when I limit myself to a couple exhibits, otherwise I get overwhelmed and can't concentrate on the various elements I've now been trained to notice. I'm really excited for this semester of school to be over, and hope that this break allows me to explore some new exhibitions!