Teaching African American History Through Museum Theatre

This article examines museum theatre as a means of teaching African American history and culture. After participating in museum theatre experiences in the galleries of the Charles H. Wright Museum in Detroit, the largest museum of African American history in the country, participants reported having a greater sense of connection to and interest in the past. The study suggests that interactions with professional, costumed actors in theatre sets develop historical empathy and understanding among participants. Historical events seem less abstract, and the impact of those events on people is better understood. This study suggests that collaboration between schools and museums which offer museum theatre and/or school theatre programs would promote an interest in and a deeper understanding of history and culture among students