Purpose: Explore the existing “pioneer” narratives in the museum
Materials Needed:
● 2 different coloured packages of cue cards
● pens, pencils, or fine-tip markers
● tables
● chairs
Set-up: Give each participant 5-6 cue cards of each colour and pen or pencil to write with.
Cue cards created during the Explore the Museum Activity at the Wadey Centre, Blackfalds.
Directions:
Begin with introductions
If you have not already done the Defining the Pioneer Activity:
Ask the group to consider what the term “pioneer” means to them/common understandings of what “pioneer” means and to create a short definition. Facilitator should divide participants into groups of 3-4.
Instruct participants to spend 20 minutes exploring specific spaces in the museum and:
Write or sketch examples from the museum’s exhibits, artifacts, and labels that align with the definition of pioneer that the group created on one colour of cue card
Write or sketch examples from the museum’s exhibits, artifacts, and labels that do not align with the definition of pioneer your group created on the other colour of cue card
Share the examples found with the group. What surprised you? What was obvious?
Concluding Questions:
How is our definition of pioneer supported and challenged by the museum’s exhibits, artifacts, and labels?
Why do you think we have chosen to portray pioneer themes in this way?
Is there a desire or opportunity to alter/enhance our existing narratives?