History Center Partners With 15 Affiliate Program Museums to Launch Civic Empathy Project
With Election Day approaching, the Smithsonian-affiliated Senator John Heinz History Center is partnering with 15 museums, libraries, and cultural organizations across the region to activate the connection between history and civics education.
The Civic Empathy Project, part of the History Center’s America 101 civics initiative, will officially launch at select History Center Affiliates Program sites this week.
As part of this pilot project, History Center curators and educators worked with Affiliate Program sites to develop physical and virtual exhibitions which inspire visitors to build empathy and take actions that further civic engagement.
“As Pittsburgh’s people museum, the Heinz History Center believes that the future of civics education lies in connecting the personal stories of the past to community members in the present and future,” said Andy Masich, president and CEO of the Heinz History Center. “The Civic Empathy Project empowers our Affiliate Program sites to create exhibits that inspire civic engagement and build stronger communities.”
“As we emerge from a period marked by disharmony and discord, this is a moment for us all to lift up the decency and neighborliness that’s at the heart of our communities all across Western Pennsylvania,” said Gregg Behr, executive director of The Grable Foundation and a co-chair of the Remake Learning Council. “These museums, libraries, and civic organizations are reminding us about what it means to be good citizens, together.”
Each site identified a relevant story from its community’s history and developed a small exhibit that demonstrates how civic action brought about positive change.
For example, the Zelienople Historical Society developed an exhibit focusing on Reverend Dr. William Alfred Passavant, who learned that empathy requires action to relieve suffering and became devoted to improving health conditions of those less fortunate. As part of its Civic Empathy Project exhibit, the Zelienople Historical Society encourages visitors to volunteer to address current community needs.
Participating organizations include:
Battle of Homestead Foundation
Beaver County Historical Research & Landmarks Foundation
Donora Historical Society and Smog Museum
Duncan & Miller Glass Museum
Fayette County Cultural Trust--Connellsville Canteen
Green Tree Historical Society and Green Tree Library
Meyersdale Public Library
Ohio County Public Library
Preservation Pittsburgh
Quecreek Mine Rescue Foundation
Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill Archive
Western Allegheny Community Library
Westmoreland County Historical Society
Wheeling Academy-Law & Science (WALS) Foundation
Zelienople Historical Society
Exhibit summaries can be viewed at https://visithei.nz/CivicEmpathy.
The History Center is also working with Affiliate Program organizations to develop virtual exhibitions on the Google Arts & Culture platform. The online exhibits will launch in 2023.
The History Center Affiliates Program includes more than 125 regional organizations dedicated to preserving local culture and history. Affiliate Program members include history, genealogy, and library organizations located throughout Western Pennsylvania, northeast Ohio, and West Virginia.
The Civic Empathy Project is generously supported by a Tomorrow Grant from the Grable Foundation.
The History Center’s America 101 initiative empowers audiences to engage critically with contemporary civic issues through exhibitions, digital learning, curriculum, and public programs.