George Mason University

George Mason University will demonstrate a new model for bringing museum objects and expertise to students in remote classrooms and for teaching them how to engage and analyze these artifacts to learn about key themes in American history. The Object of History, a Web-based educational resource for students and teachers, will provide a cost-effective, innovative, and replicable model for history museums seeking new ways to educate audiences and disseminate collections. The six Web-based lessons, corresponding to a standard high school U.S. history curriculum, will include four elements: The Object and its Context, The Curator and the Object, Chat with the Curator, and Teaching the Object of History. Museums and schools will be able to incorporate local objects and lessons into this national Web-based project.