Learning Local Immigration History In and Out of the Museum

Abstract

In this article we utilize three case studies from the US as models for structuring historical inquiry in museum education programs focused on local immigration history. We focus on how models of practice from museums can be utilized as part of authentic history education pedagogy – in particular conducting historical inquiry with archival material and creating engaging exhibits. The three cases we draw from are the Tenement Museum (New York City), the Open House exhibit at the Minnesota History Center (St Paul, Minnesota), and a middle grades project in the Greenbush neighborhood (Madison, Wisconsin).