Making History

The Teens Make History logo

How would you like to go down in history? Teens Make History is a program implemented by the Missouri History Museum, open to students ages 15-18. Applicants first enter the eight-week Academy, a series of intensive hands-on workshops in which students learn various aspects of working at the museum--everything from advertising to writing labels for an exhibit. Activities within the Academy include writing and performing plays about history, learning about genealogy and curation at the LIbrary and Research Center, and delivering pitches to potential donors. It is an interesting and unique way to both get workplace experience and learn more about an occupation in museum work.

This year is the third year of the Academy. Crossroads students Solomon Cooper, Tia Rounsoville, and Darian Randle are current participants. Darian describes the experience as “cool.” He particularly likes the fact that the Academy helps students to acquire new skills, such as marketing. But the Academy does not just involve job skills; participants also get an in-depth view on history research and education. “I really enjoy learning how people remember history in different ways,” said Darian when discussing how different groups might see a particular event with different perspectives.

Those who successfully complete the Academy are eligible for paid positions within the museum, either with the Teens Make History Players (putting on historic plays with themes from current exhibits) or Exhibitors (who work together to put together an exhibit of their choice). I was in the Academy last year, and am currently working with a small group to put up an exhibit, “Between Two Worlds: Veterans Journey Home.” The exhibit is scheduled to open mid-April.  I encourage anyone interested in the humanities or in getting some job experience to consider joining the Academy next year.