High School (9-12)

Structure

Introduction and Context (10-15 minutes)

• Hook: Ask students:

  • "Why are artifacts important in understanding history?"

  • "How do artifacts give us a unique perspective that textbooks may not?"

• Discuss the Role of Museums: Explain the importance of museums, particularly the African American Museum, in preserving cultural heritage and teaching about the contributions of African Americans in shaping U.S. history.

• Introduce the Lesson: Explain that students will explore historical artifacts and primary sources from the African American Museum to gain insight into African American history and its impact on society today.

2. Guided Exploration of the African American Museum Repository (15-20 minutes)

• Website Overview: Briefly show students how to navigate the African American Museum repository website. Highlight key sections:

  • Civil Rights Movement: Artifacts from marches, protests, and leaders.

  • Cultural Contributions: Music, art, and literature from the Harlem Renaissance, jazz, and African American traditions.

  • Slavery and Reconstruction: Artifacts related to the experience of slavery, abolition, and African American life post-emancipation.

  • Historical Figures: Artifacts associated with figures like Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King Jr., etc.

• Demonstration:

  • Select an artifact (e.g., a photograph from a sit-in or a cultural artifact from the Harlem Renaissance) and model artifact analysis using guiding questions.

  • Discuss the historical significance, context, and symbolism within the artifact.

3. Group Activity: Artifact Research and Analysis (25-30 minutes)

• Divide into Groups: Organize the class into small groups of 3-4 students. Assign each group an artifact or collection from the museum’s repository to research. Alternatively, allow students to choose an artifact that interests them.

• Artifact Research Task:

  • Groups will analyze the artifact using the Artifact Analysis Worksheet, focusing on:

    • Artifact Description: What is the artifact? Describe its appearance and features.

    • Historical Context: What historical period or event is the artifact associated with? Provide background information.

    • Significance: Why is this artifact important in understanding African American history and culture?

    • Interpretation: How does this artifact connect to larger themes in U.S. history (e.g., civil rights, resistance, cultural expression)?

    • Reflection: How does the artifact deepen your understanding of African American history or challenge previously held assumptions?

• Additional Research: Encourage students to use external sources (books, online databases) to provide more context around the artifact or historical event.

4. Group Presentations (20-25 minutes)

• Group Presentations: Each group will present their artifact to the class, addressing its description, context, significance, and interpretation.

  • Encourage groups to explain how their artifact adds to the broader understanding of African American history and what unique perspectives it offers.

• Class Discussion: Facilitate a discussion after each presentation. Ask questions like:

  • "How does this artifact change or expand your understanding of this period in history?"

  • "What connections can you draw between different artifacts or events?"

5. Reflection and Synthesis (10-15 minutes)

• Reflection Assignment:

  • Ask students to write a brief reflection or exit ticket based on the following questions:

    • "What is one artifact or aspect of African American history that stood out to you today, and why?"

    • "How do primary sources like artifacts change the way we understand history compared to reading about it in a textbook?"

    • "Why is it important to preserve African American history and culture through museums?"

• Summarize the Lesson: Emphasize how artifacts provide a tangible connection to the past and a deeper understanding of African American contributions to history and culture.