History Shaping American Identity
Museum from the past, in the present, for the future
Museum Curator: Morgan Allen
Declaration of Indepedence
Declaring Change
This artifact and time period shaped America the most, for it created the country itself. The main, most imminent principles of the government and the nation's values came along with this document and the following Constitution. It defined the US as a great power that can define itself from others and stay strong as one. George Washington, being the first President of the United States after the Declaration's completion, set many traditions and values for the Presidents to follow, even today, with presidents not being allowed more than two terms in the presidency. This document, and those involved in its creation, set forth the making of the great nation we currently call our home.
Not-so-Civil War
Civil Blood Makes Civil Hands Unclean
The Civil War caused a great divide between the North and South. This divide is still prominent today, just on a slighter scale. There are still many conflicts between different ethnicities, and there is much hatred between the political parties. The Civil War left the South with a strong hatred for African Americans and Northerners, with discrimination still bery prominent in this day and age. The North prospered and flourished because of the war, paving way for the later industrial age. The US still sees many differences between the North and South, but we are still together as one proud nation.
Roaring Twenties
Roars Leave Echoes
The 1920's made today's technological and industrial success and society possible. With the invention of Ford's Model T, the idea of travel for fun sparked and took flight. People began traveling across the country without reason, spending money on keeping themselves happy, which is what happens even more so today. The US has grown on the new invenitons and ideas of the time, pulling the US further and further ahead of the rest of the world. The "consumer culture" was started in the 20's, and, excluding the dreadful Great Depression, it has only grown since.
The Boxing Match that Knocked Out a Nation
Fighting Effects
This rematch symbolized the United States' ability to stand strong after any defeat, and totally decimate the enemy. This idea was put to action when the US's force helped the allies win WWII. Without this two-minute knockout, America might not have had the pride to pull themseves through and fight to victory in the bloody, troublesome war. This sense of pride is seen hugely in the present day, and it is quite rare to find an American who doesn't feel like their country can do anything.