Institute for Public History
The Gordon College Institute for Public History is a new program created by uniting and expanding the offerings of two longstanding entities--History Alive! (the branch of the theatre department which produces Cry Innocent) and the museum studies curriculum of our history department. Under the auspices of Gordon's Global Education Office, 14-18 scholars will be drawn each year from our nationwide coalition of colleges and universities. By residing, studying and working in Salem, they will engage the riches of the city's history and help the public do the same. The Institute will expand the interactive plays History Alive! already presents into a 24-week season/ 24-credit curriculum focused on generating new offerings for the public ingeneral and school aged children in particular. Special lectures, workshops,and curatorial and museum administration internships add to the offerings.
The Mission of The Institute for Public History
The Mission of The Institute for Public History is to introduce students to the world of museums and public history, and to prepare them for careers in this field.
What is The Public History Institute All About?
On a practical level, The Institute for Public History is particularly designed for students who would like to work in the field of history, but who may not want to be a classroom teacher. The Institute for Public History offers:
a minor in public history and museum studies
- field trips to New England's best museums and historic sites
- guest lectures from some of the nation's leading museum and public history professionals
- paid and for-credit internships at many of New England's most highly-rated museums and historic sites
- summer and post-graduation job placement in some of the area's top museums
- a minor in historical interpretation working with a long-established program in historic Salem, MA
History Alive!
History Alive! is committed to the production of new plays and theatrical scenarios based on true stories from the past. Emphasis is given to interactive theatre so that actors and audience together, through playful and surprising ways of engaging with history, might broaden their understanding of the present and gain a fresh sense of purpose within their own era. The company functions as a training program for actors entering theatre as professionals and seeks to invigorate the local economy by designing activities which connect the community and its visitors to a distinct, local history.