About

SOHS has responded to public opinion and changed our focus from permanent exhibits to the development of traveling exhibits.  Drawing from a series of public forums and an online survey in 2009, we determined that the public placed the most value in the archival and three-dimensional collection.  The continuation of History: Made by You allows us to meet the needs of our audience and place more artifacts on temporary display.

The goals of History: Made by You are: (1) to make history more accessible to our audience by increasing the public’s knowledge and understanding; (2) to link current events to their historical antecedents; (3) to create a connection between individuals and their local history; (4) to have the community learn about other communities by moving exhibits to various locations throughout the region; and (5) to provide an alternative way of exhibiting objects outside of a traditional museum setting.

Our objectives are to illustrate the continuum of history by discussing topics of contemporary interest and then framing them through the lens of the past.  Investigating questions such as “What are the historical roots of this change?” and “How was this change dealt with in the past?” will actively connect the present with history.  Participates will learn how history relates to their lives today and how it can dictate the future – essentially, why history matters.  This process will create a shared sense of historical authority.  Our volunteers, communities, and audiences will recognize that history is not only accessible to all but able to be interpreted by all as well.

If you are interested in bringing History: Made by You to your community, please submit an application.