Learning About History in a Museum

Experience prior to, during, and after field trips or visits of resource persons can build key historical concepts related to the study of items in the museum. Each of the displays tells some kind of story. Visitors can learn about the natural history of the environment by looking at the displays of plants and animals. Cultural history of people can be understood by viewing artifacts and learning about their contexts. Time lines can be created to help students fit museum experiences into their correct time period.

Historical Bias

The items which have been selected tell only part of the story. The senses and vantage point of the historian shape the story which is told. Areas can be known through direct experience as well as the descriptions of others. Each observer or participant will have a different story to tell. Stories of one observer will affect the story of others. Reports of one are influenced by the biases of another.

Change

Changes have taken place in plant and animal populations. How do the exhibits at the UNI museum show this?

The ethnic backgrounds of inhabitants have changed as a result of the coming of successive waves of groups of diverse people. Some came in search of food and shelter; others came to explore and conquer. Some came as the result of power struggles among individuals and groups. Slaves, servants, and refuges came willingly and unwillingly. Each successive group has changed the existing social and political structure among inhabitants. Maps, time lines, census records, news publications, plat books, written and oral family, local, and state histories have provided documentation of such events. Obtaining resource speakers or taking field trips to sources of such information can help children note changes.

Changes in transportation, communication, education, provision for recreation, health and safety, protection of the environment, governmental structures, aesthetic features, technology, production of goods and services, religious beliefs, values, and diffusion of ideas and goods have taken place. Such changes can be noted as library research and experiences provide information. Special times devoted to appreciation of areas represented in the museum can be used to talk about changes.