The Facing Freedom Exhibition is not your typical museum exhibition. Although it will provide teachers and students deeper insights into the history of struggles for freedom in the United States, that will be a jumping off point that catapults students from witness to history to participant in history. Through the years the idea of “who can be free” has changed. Freedom cannot be understood by looking at the entire population as an aggregation exclusively; it is more profoundly and poignantly understood and experienced in the personal stories and struggles of individuals.

The use of the “face” and first person orientation of the exhibit brings the story to a one-on-one level that better resonates with the students to leave a lasting impression on them. An interactive station allowed students to take their photograph and enter the struggle keyword that they felt resonated with them personally.  Two vertical screens that echoed the shape and orientation of the exhibit graphic panels then showed the student’s image and keyword as a visual reminder that we may all be struggling for freedom or could be the next individual who serves as the pivot point for a particular struggle for freedom.  Like any good civics lesson, the exhibit and interactive give the students a voice and remind them that anyone can make a difference.