We have begun some very important data collection processes for the
development of exhibits honoring the voices and stories of enslaved individuals
through our recent site visits to MOBOT, on both October 10th and October
17th. We want to build a narrative that includes the African American
experience via QR codes, a booklet, and physical signage in the Tower Grove
House.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On October 10, we held a focus group to discuss a variety of problems
that could be encountered in attempting to mount the exhibition while,
simultaneously, encouraging the free flow of new ideas. In this interactive
discussion, we were able to identify several areas of concern, such as
logistical challenges to expanding the exhibit, the necessity of contacting
multiple departments, including horticulture and the archives, and the
establishment of hard deadlines for our work. We discussed which aspects of
the exhibition we would be willing to sacrifice should we face limitations.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Accordingly, on October 17th, we took time out to get historical
information and conduct an informal interview with a local historian. The
approach was agreed upon based on acquiring personal stories and tidbits of
information that is not widely known, as a way to further develop our
exhibit. A lot was discussed in this informal session, and several quite potent
insights into the resiliency and contributions of enslaved people were
documented, which allowed us to connect these stories to the larger context
of Missouri’s history.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This focus group and subsequent data collection brought us very useful
information: MOBOT has ties with WashU, which grants access to enriched
historic materials relative to slavery. The archival materials and research
papers on WashU, such as the ten-page compilation about the Underground
Railroad, are an asset we can tap into for primary and secondary sources.
They will enable us to delve deeper into an understanding of the lives of the
enslaved who served Shaw, and what better way to emphasize their
important role in Missouri history?
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rather than serving as a monument to the individual fact, we would
like to take this exhibit as an opportunity to bring these stories together as
part of a larger narrative. We are interpreting not only how enslaved people
were presented as workers but also how they navigated oppressive systems,
contributed to the economy, and created legacies still relevant today. This
kind of analytics enables us to create a rich and many-textured exhibit that
informs and invites reflection and dialogue among our visitors.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That focus group is quite important when looking back because it
framed the path, we would take in data collection. It allowed for a free flow
of information that rehashed our goals and what could go wrong, further emphasizing collaboration and resource management. This understanding of
the level of storytelling that needs to be involved in truly respecting the lives
of those enslaved was embedded through the historical data collection that
followed.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But then again, I found some counterintuitive hurdles. In as much as
the many connections we had to WashU came with a great deal of
information, we also found some lack in certain personal narratives that are
needed to complete some stories. Where I underestimated the time, I
needed to cover the archive and do maybe more interviews if necessary.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In all honesty, moving forward, I feel that we ought to have done more
in focusing our data collection on specific themes or questions we wanted to
know beforehand. This may also involve the community members or
descendants of the enslaved, which no doubt would add immense knowledge
and scope to this exhibit. The pilot data collection has been good for the
basis of this exhibit, but the gaps that have come out in this presentation
need to be filled with due respect to the lives and experiences of those who
were enslaved. The idea behind this work is not only the presentation of
history but the nurturing of a deeper understanding and respect for legacies
that have made our society what it is today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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