The on-site work at MOBOT this semester has deeply enlightened me
as to the challenges and importance of amplifying African American history
within a larger public setting. In doing so, I have gained an appreciation for our
role in the current movement to provide a voice to those who have historically
been silenced. The focus our exhibit has taken in telling the stories of the
enslaved individuals connected to Henry Shaw’s estate brings into great
relief how that act of storytelling effectively bridges visitors to the
experiences of the past. We do this by diving deep into personal accounts,
analyzing precisely what those people contributed and endured in the
creation of a meaningful narrative beyond enslaved people being just
workers. Instead, we want to portray them as protagonists who crossed,
withstood, and resisted some oppressive structures.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the key things I have learned so far is how to set a personal
story in a historical context. Also, our recent focus groups on October 10 and
October 17 was particularly helpful in determining the direction of the
exhibit. In the October 10 session, we discussed challenges logistical
and content-related-that ranged from needing collaboration across MOBOT
departments to having to make decisions about what we may have to
change if resources are limited. This focus group also underlined the
deepness of collaboration that would have to be done to really honor the
voices of those who were enslaved. In this discussion about what to focus on in the exhibit and where we could compromise, I learned that finding a
balance between our ideals and realistic constraints is important.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our work here at MOBOT is anything but limited to the simple
presentation of historical facts; rather, it nurtures meaningful and respectful
understanding of legacies shaping society in many important respects.
Indeed, I am looking forward to bringing this knowledge and experience into
my class discussions as I continue refining how I approach the collection. By
integrating QR codes, booklet development, and signage in the Tower Grove
House, there is no doubt that the work will be long-lasting and impactful,
honoring the lives and resilience of those who were enslaved by Henry
Shaw’s estate with due praise.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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