Museum Visit

The unit of study that I have been developing throughout this semester focuses on what

makes a good citizen. Throughout this unit, students will continue to revisit the essential

questions regarding what a good citizen is, what makes a good citizen, and who can be a good

citizen. Alongside these questions, diversity will also be highly embedded within the resources,

mainly through books.

It was a bit challenging to find a museum exhibit that has similar characteristics that

match the main idea of this unit. However, I found the perfect exhibit. The museum I found will

be most beneficial to this unit of study is the Autry Museum of the American West. There is a

specific exhibit that I found will be important to this unit of study. Additionally, the Autry

Museum has other exhibitions that can similarly be connected to this unit as well as other

important units throughout other grade levels.

The Autry Museum currently has an exhibit that is called, “What’s Her Story: Women in

the Archives.” This exhibit connects to the unit of study because one of the main ideas of the unit

is to show students how anyone can be a good citizen. This exhibit will further help students

discover that there are people in history that have shown bravery, strength, and courage by

fighting for themselves and others. There are different photographs and journals that are part of

the exhibit. The most relatable will be artifacts that show how women fought for their right to

vote and for the ongoing fight for equality. Although, some of these artifacts might be difficult

for students of the kindergarten grade level to read, it will still be meaningful for them to see.

The photographs in this exhibit also show women of diverse backgrounds and time frames,

which further helps support that main idea that a good citizen is anyone at any time, so long as

they show the positive traits that are studied in the unit.
 In the museum there are also other exhibits that can connect to how people of diverse

backgrounds are good citizens. However, I strongly believe that the other exhibits are a bit more

appropriate for the higher grade levels. For example, there is an exhibit on American Indian art

and activism. There are valuable artifacts that will be very resourceful for other educators to use

in support of their units.

The Autry Museum of the American West also has online resources for teachers. Some of

the online resources include lesson plans that support the visit of the museum. Activities are also

available online and they can be used by the teacher. It is very helpful because the activities list

the standards that are being addressed throughout the visit and the activity. Additional resources

that are found online include videos, virtual tours, and webinars.

Exhibit: https://theautry.org/exhibitions/whats-her-story-women-in-the-archives

Educator Resources: https://theautry.org/education

Lessons and Activities: https://theautry.org/education/lessons-and-fun-activities