Embedded Files
Whose story is missing?
Whose story is missing?
Inspire curiosity. As students discussed and visited monuments they became more curious about the stories being told and this led to the next central questions. What stories are missing? Why has this story been overlooked? How do we go deeper and learn more about the period, the problems and the solutions offered by the group or individual we want to commemorate?
Choice Point
Choice Point
Whose story do I want to tell?
Whose story do I want to tell?
Story
Whose story do I want to tell? This basic question provided the foundation for inquiry and research into our community. Students used an inquiring eye during field experiences to investigate the stories being told and then looked for what was missing. They realized some of the stories being told didn't relate directly to our community and that there were gaps in telling who we are now and what contributions we value.
Student Showcase
One group of students found a missing story while researching five African American Union soldiers from Virginia who won the Medal of Honor for their valor. They were especially excited because one of the soldiers was from Albemarle County, our county. Their vision for the monument is as a counter story to the Civil War history in Charlottesville and other cities in the American South.
Choice Point
Choice Point
What is the entry point for our research? (Beyond Google)
What is the entry point for our research? (Beyond Google)
The Story
Research has to start somewhere and local research often requires moving past a google search. Our students started by consulting state and local resources, both on-line and through print materials.
- Electronic Resources - Virginia is fortunate to have quality electronic resources provided by The Foundation for the Humanities Encyclopedia Virginia or the Virginia Museum website. Also various historic sites and universities can be very helpful.
- Library - Working with our school librarians, students consulted print materials and special collections targeted to Virginia and specifically to our local community.
- Community - Once students started to talk about their project, community members learned of their work and offered to share resources they had in their personal collections. Joanne Perkins from Crozet shared photographs from earlier years with the women's group which were instrumental in the final designs of the Crozet Community Center.
Student Showcase
Students and teachers had lots of questions that needed expert help. We consulted with local experts from museums, universities, and foundations.
Choice Point
Choice Point
How can we move beyond internet research?
How can we move beyond internet research?
The Story
As student research progressed they often felt the need to look outside of electronic and print sources to find community members who could help.
- Consulting the Experts - When researching local topics we frequently need to go to the people. As students learned more they started looking for people who could help push their research to a new place. Students emailed questions to university professors and interviewed local experts. Often community members are an excellent source of information and they enjoy sharing.
Student Showcase
Students interviewed Joanne Perkins and other members of our local Crozet community to help explore the untold stories.
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