Analyzing the Significance of African American History Exhibits: A Review of [Museum Name]

Visit (in-person or online) a cultural or historical museum that has exhibits connected to the subject of our course. Explain the significance of the exhibit(s) for African American History (between the years 1619-1877). Analyze what the exhibits offer, and whether they present material well or badly. What is missing? What should be improved? Write an essay of 400 to 500 words (footnotes don’t count toward the word total). Below is a list of approved museums for History 141 and History 142; for History 141 make certain that the museum or exhibit you want to review deals with the era before 1877. (If you are in History 142, make sure that the museum exhibit you want to write about deals with the era after 1865.) I am happy to learn about new exhibits and new sites! When writing the essay, work through the Writing Checklist Download Writing Checklist, and be sure to cite all sources of information you used to complete this assignment by using footnotes: VIDEO TUTORIAL – How to Do Chicago-Style Footnotes
List of Approved Museums.docx Download List of Approved Museums.docx
DUE – January 24 at 8:30 a.m. with a grace period until 9:00 a.m.
REMEMBER: Your paper must be formatted correctly. This means that it is in either Arial or Times New Roman font, at least 22-point font, and is double-spaced. At the top of your paper, include your full name, VCCS email, your course number and section (HIS 141 O01N), and the date that you’re turning in the assignment.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

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Step 1: Choose Your Museum or Exhibit

• Begin by selecting a museum or exhibit that aligns with the subject matter of the course. For History 141, ensure the exhibit is focused on African American history before 1877.
• If you are studying History 142, ensure the exhibit focuses on African American history after 1865.
• Visit the museum either in person or online. Many museums offer virtual tours, which could be a helpful option.

Step 2: Gather Detailed Information on the Exhibit

• As you explore the exhibit, take note of the main themes, objects, and historical contexts it presents. What period of African American history is being highlighted? For the era of 1619-1877, this could include slavery, abolition, resistance movements, and the Civil War.
• Pay attention to:
  • Historical artifacts: Are there documents, photographs, or objects from the era?
  • Interpretive materials: Are there plaques, videos, or interactive elements that explain the significance of the exhibit?
  • Presentational style: How is the information presented (e.g., written text, multimedia, artifacts)? Is it engaging and easy to understand?

Step 3: Analyze the Significance of the Exhibit

• Reflect on the historical significance of the exhibit. How does it contribute to understanding African American history between 1619 and 1877?
  • Contextual importance: How does the exhibit illuminate important events such as slavery, emancipation, or the Civil War?
  • Representation: Does it provide a diverse range of African American experiences? For example, does it highlight the experiences of enslaved people, free Black people, abolitionists, and activists?

Step 4: Evaluate the Quality of the Exhibit

• Assess how well the museum presents its material:
  • Clarity: Is the information presented in an understandable and coherent way? Does it avoid jargon and provide enough context for visitors unfamiliar with the subject?
  • Depth: Does the exhibit provide enough depth on the subject? Is there a balance between general information and detailed insights?
  • Engagement: Are visitors likely to engage with the exhibit? Are there interactive elements or multimedia that enhance learning?

Step 5: Identify What Is Missing or Could Be Improved

• Reflect on any gaps in the exhibit. What might be missing in the presentation of African American history? Consider the following:
  • Underrepresented themes: Are there any critical events or experiences that the exhibit overlooks?
  • Diversity of perspectives: Does the exhibit focus solely on one aspect of African American history (e.g., slavery) and neglect others (e.g., cultural contributions, Black communities)?
  • Modern context: Does the exhibit tie historical themes to contemporary issues of racial justice and equality, or does it remain isolated in the past?

Step 6: Write Your Essay

• Organize your essay by addressing the following sections:
  1. Introduction: Briefly introduce the exhibit and its historical context.
  2. Analysis: Discuss the significance of the exhibit, what it offers in terms of African American history, and how well it presents the material.
  3. Critique: Identify any gaps, missing perspectives, or areas for improvement in the presentation.
  4. Conclusion: Summarize your overall impression of the exhibit, highlighting the strengths and areas for improvement.

Step 7: Cite Your Sources

• Be sure to cite all the sources you use to complete the assignment, whether they are from the museum’s website, books, articles, or other materials.
• Use Chicago-style footnotes for citing sources as instructed. Refer to the provided video tutorial to learn how to format your footnotes correctly.

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By following these steps, you’ll be able to write a well-structured and thoughtful essay that analyzes and critiques the museum exhibit related to African American history between 1619 and 1877. Just be sure to integrate specific examples from the exhibit and provide a balanced critique based on what you observed!

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