The directed study came about because, last minute, I was unable to enroll in the three-week summer course I'd planned on taking to complete my degree (besides a thesis, of course). It was my solution to still studying the topic at hand, sitting in on most classes, and making it home in time for Deanna's graduation and Laura's wedding. I'm stressed about finishing it, but thank god it was approved.
The visit to The Tenement Museum came about because my good friend Sofia had raved about it so. Little did I expect our Friday afternoon on the Lower East Side to develop my directed study so thoroughly. It all started with a friendly art gallery owner...
Then we ventured down to 103 Orchard Street to pick up our tickets for the Irish Outsiders tour. As we waited in the Visitors Center, we walked through the gift shop and saw most of "An American Story", their original documentary. Marcus was thrilled to discover the early influence Germans had had in the diverse neighborhood.
"They imagined a new type of space, which they called a ‘Site of Conscience', defining this as museums that made three commitments : to interpret history through a site, to engage in programs that stimulate dialog on pressing social issues today, and to share opportunities for public involvement in those issues … operat[ing] at the intersection of historic preservation, human rights citizen engagement, education, and the arts,” (Ševčenko 114, Cultures and Globalization: Heritage, Memory and Identity).
Liz Ševčenko is referring to the Tenement Museum in the above citation (in addition to the Gulag Museum in Russia, the Slave House in Senegal, and Memoria Abierta in Argentina). My professor, serendipitously enough, edited the book her article originated in. Revelation: the one museum I happened to go to while I was home a few weeks ago supports my directed study thesis perfectly. I love when things work out like that :). Now, please go make a reservation for a tour at the Tenement Museum so I can get back to being studious. It's an amazing experience for New Yorkers and New-to-New Yorkers alike, promise.
