Week 4

My time during the INDE tour was insightful. I observed the park's interpretation and exhibit work very intently, as it is something I am interested in, being a part of my major and the beginning of my research. Upon meeting with NPS, I was appreciative of our guide, Debbie, as she took us through the most historical walkways to reach Independence Park and explained the key components of the written labels and materials shown in the outdoor exhibition. I particularly like how INDE highlighted slavery and how our "influential" leaders had participated in slavery, even going as far as skirting around the law to uphold it. When we got to the group tour in Independence Hall, I observed our interpreter and how she interacted with the crowd. I liked how she took note of the young folk in the crowd, which I am sure led her script to be more of what might have been a part of the school curriculum. I will say that she did veer into her own interest and hone in on the political aspect of why Independence Hall is such an important place, which, as a federally funded space in our current political climate, was very powerful to include in her script. Still, I also think that it was a bit much for the times.  

When we arrived at the Second Bank Portrait Gallery, I was very inspired by the way the exhibition was set up. To the lighting and partition screens of daily 18th-century towns, which separated the art into small sections, creating an immersive experience. The art labels provided information about the subject in the painting, along with a timeline and/or a tidbit of other information underneath a concept title, accompanied by more historical anecdotes that aren't covered in the school curriculum. I appreciated the gallery space, and although I think it lacks indigenous history, considering the theme it is working with, the information present did make me more curious to learn about the individuals I was seeing and reading about, prompting me to go out and learn more, and make my own interpretations.