The African American Museum in Philadelphia aims to show that African American history is American history, and it has implemented a number of interactive features to make sure that this message is received by one of their main audiences -- school kids.
If high schoolers and adults are most engaged by the interactive timeline on the first floor, and middle schoolers are most fascinated by the moving and speaking "portraits," then younger children must be most comfortable at "The Children's Wall." This long illustrated stretch of wall shows, picture book style, what life was like for the 18th century African American Child in Philadelphia. Its impressive feat is that despite its content's specificity, it invites child of any race from any city to explore what this life was like.
Possibly the most inspired part of this exhibit are the true historical figures as child guides. They allow children to feel even more included in the story told than if their guide was an adult. Following these characters across the wall makes it easer for kids to feel as if they are experiencing the same things. The historical kids meet important figures between doing day to day tasks.
There is a lot of possible programming here. Kids can use the wall to tell a story of 18th century life. Or, they could put on a play. The question and answer flaps could be used as a Jeopardy game guide.
Another asset of the Children's Wall is that it is just as useful and fun to individual families as it is to a class. The last few months have taught us that exhibits built for children are often enjoyed by adults as well. It is easy to picture parents enjoying learning what goes into "pepper pot soup" or quizzing their kids on the school room equations.
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