Before You Write, You Should:
• Access the Digital Collections of the NMAAHC on https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories• Select one of the stories (e.g. We Are Family, Dress for the Occasion, African American Muslims in America, etc)
At the Museum
• Whenever you enter a gallery: Look around first. Read through the digital story to see what the topics are covered, and how they are arranged in, etc. (e.g., chronological order or by theme.) Examine the objects and photos – very often curators provide labels and detailed information throughout the story. There may be additional objects to explore by clicking a tab at the bottom of the page.• As you go through the digital story, think about the assignment’s objectives, but also remember that you're looking at objects and images that are assembled to promote and preserve African American history. You should take time to think about why the curators chose the objects that they chose and chose to present them the way that they have. Are you comfortable with the how the story is told? Why or why not? Do they confirm or contradict what you have read for class, heard in lecture, or seen in a video? How so? Or are there things that disturb you (e.g. biased representations, glaring inaccuracies, painful subject matter, questionable sources)?
Reflection Guidelines
• You are to write 700-word reflection regarding your experience in the Digital Collection Stories at the NMAAHC. • In this assignment, you are being asked to think/write critically about how museums work to preserve and promote history for popular audiences (as opposed to scholarly ones) and how the NMAAHCrepresents aspects of early African American history. This assignment should help you craft a critical analysis of representations of African American life, history, and culture.• Approaches to scoring an A on the Papero You should start by using the insight that you have gained from reading Chapters 8-10 in your FOMM text and introduce the subject of the collection. Include the title of the collection.o Then you should provide a brief summary outlining the larger historical context covered by the collection. What time period does the collection discuss?o Then you should provide a brief summary of the collection and its objectives. Identify for key themes, ideas, facts, or issues the curators set out to address (and by extension, what questions or issues not addressed). o How does the collection promote and preserve African American life, culture, and history?o What did you like? What was compelling? what does it look like? Sound like?o In your conclusion, include how might you have reacted to the collection BEFORE you took this course? Would you have the same critique? How does a class such as this shape or influence your impressions?o The strongest papers will be those that merges the information in the course readings and the content in the collection.
This assignment does not require you to do extra research, but you should refer to the course readings, lectures, and class discussions and cite them appropriately.
Your reflection essay will be evaluated on the following criteria:
1) the quality of your writing;
2) your completion of the guidelines in the assignment;
3) the thoughtfulness, clarity, accuracy, and detail of your review;
4) the originality in your interpretation of the collection and its contribution to the promotion and preservation of African American life, culture, and history; and
5) your ability to integrate the course lectures, other readings, and discussions into your paper.
6) Proper APA citations
The Significance of NMAAHC's Digital Collection Stories in Preserving African American History
In the digital age, museums have expanded their reach through online platforms to engage audiences and preserve cultural heritage. The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) offers a rich collection of digital stories that delve into various aspects of African American history. By exploring these stories, visitors can gain insights into the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of African Americans throughout history. One such story that stands out is "African American Muslims in America," which sheds light on the intersection of religion and identity within the African American community.
When entering the digital gallery, visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in the curated content. The digital story provides a comprehensive overview of the historical context, exploring themes such as resilience, faith, and cultural diversity within the African American Muslim community. Through a combination of images, objects, and narratives, the curators aim to promote a deeper understanding of the contributions and challenges faced by African American Muslims in America.
As visitors navigate through the digital story, they are prompted to reflect on the curatorial choices and storytelling techniques employed. Questions arise about the representation of African American Muslims and whether the narrative aligns with academic knowledge or challenges existing perceptions. By critically engaging with the content, visitors can appreciate the complexities of African American history and acknowledge the diverse narratives that contribute to a more inclusive historical record.
In crafting a reflective essay on the experience at NMAAHC's digital collection stories, it is essential to draw from course readings and discussions to provide a well-rounded analysis. By integrating insights from Chapters 8-10 of the FOMM text, one can contextualize the significance of the collection within broader historical frameworks. Evaluating the objectives and themes of the collection allows for a nuanced understanding of how museums preserve and promote African American history for popular audiences.
Moreover, reflecting on personal reactions to the collection before engaging with academic discourse highlights the transformative power of education. A critical analysis of the collection's impact on shaping perceptions and influencing impressions underscores the role of museums as educational institutions that shape public consciousness.
Ultimately, by synthesizing course materials with the content of NMAAHC's digital collection stories, visitors can construct a compelling narrative that explores the representation and preservation of African American life, culture, and history. Through thoughtful reflection and analysis, individuals can contribute to a more nuanced understanding of African American heritage and challenge preconceived notions about marginalized communities.
In conclusion,
the NMAAHC's digital collection stories serve as a vital resource for preserving African American history and promoting cultural awareness among diverse audiences. By engaging with these stories critically and thoughtfully, visitors can deepen their appreciation for the rich tapestry of experiences that shape African American identity. As we navigate the complexities of history and memory, it is through platforms like NMAAHC that we can continue to honor and celebrate the legacy of African Americans in shaping the fabric of American society.
This essay explores the significance of NMAAHC's digital collection stories in preserving African American history by incorporating insights from course readings and emphasizing critical reflection on curatorial choices and storytelling techniques.