Browse Exhibits (171 total)
America in the 1960s
The 1960s were marked by these two distinct, but critical events: the Civil Rights movement and the counter culture movement. The Civil Rights movement embraced noviolent tactics and used youth interest to its advantage, while counterculture, was emodied through art, music, and alternative lifestyles seeking to promote equality and peace on a local and global level. Throughout this decade, there was a shared commonality of social and political change executed in very different ways. What they share in common, though, is that they were both fueled by a common cause among ordinary civilians.
Women's Activism in the United States Throughout History
Throughout history American women have faced great opposition in this country and have had to fight for basic rights such as voting and adequate healthcare. This exhibit aims to educate about the women and events that have helped shaped our country through activism.
World War II Exhibit
The central theme of this exhibit is the profound advancements that emerged during World War II, spanning the realms of film, psychology, medicine, and technology. Through this exploration, we aim to give visitors a deeper understanding of how the war catalyzed significant progress in these fields. The exhibit will delve into the psychological and medical atrocities of Unit 731, showcasing how warfare pushed the boundaries of ethics and scientific knowledge. It will also explore how the Office of War Information influenced Hollywood’s content to promote its pro-war agenda. Additionally, we will highlight the advancements in aviation and aircraft technology, which revolutionized military tactics and global warfare. By examining these subtopics together, we hope visitors will gain insight into how World War II shaped the modern world in unprecedented ways.
Cold War (Western)
After World War II, the United States of America and the Soviet Union emerged as global superpowers. The capitalist United States and the communist Soviet Union had conflicting ideals, which created mistrust between the two countries. With the emergence of weapons of mass destruction after the use of the atomic bomb, fear of one another led the United States and Soviet Union to start an arms race and stockpile nuclear weapons, starting the Cold War.
The Cold War was a period of geopolitical tension between these two global superpowers and lasted from 1947 to 1991. Unlike previous wars, this was not a war fought on the United States or Soviet Union’s mainland, but rather by spreading American capitalism and Russian communism and strengthening their militaries to deter the other from attacking. As the Cold War progressed, the United States and the Soviet Union continued to develop and create nuclear weapons to destroy the other when it was necessary. Geopolitical tensions were high, as a press of a button from the United States and the Soviet Union could launch bombs at each other and destroy an estimated one-third of the world.
This website focuses on the events that occurred in the Western Hemisphere during the Cold War, primarily the United States' defense against the rise of communism in the West.
One such event was the Cuban Missile Crisis, as the United States was raised to the highest state of emergency in its history. Tensions rose to a high when the United States found nuclear missiles in Cuba, capable of destroying most United States cities in the eastern U.S.
Another event was the Hollywood Blacklist, a period of intense paranoia and repression during the Cold War. Tensions escalated as accusations of communist ties spread through Hollywood, leading to the blacklisting of writers, actors, and directors suspected of subversive activities. Careers were destroyed, and the entertainment industry was gripped by fear, as even the faintest association with communism could result in social and professional exile.
Finally, this project showcases the pivotal role that propaganda played during this tense time. For the U.S., it served as a powerful tool to counter communism by promoting democratic values, fostering dissent within Soviet-controlled regions, and undermining the legitimacy of communist regimes. By influencing public opinion and morale, both within the U.S. and abroad, propaganda became a key non-military strategy to weaken adversaries and gain support for Cold War objectives.
The Gendered Dimensions of Genocide
Welcome to "Gendered Dimensions of Genocide: Sexual Violence in the Rwandan Genocide and the Holocaust"
This project explores the gendered dimensions of two of the most devastating genocides in history: the Rwandan Genocide (1994) and the Holocaust (1941–1945). Focusing on the systematic use of sexual violence as a tool of genocide, this project examines how women’s bodies were weaponized to inflict psychological, physical, and cultural destruction. Through survivor testimonies, historical analysis, and interactive resources, the site sheds light on the experiences of women who endured unimaginable violence, highlighting the broader implications of gendered violence in conflict.
Sexual violence during genocide is not incidental—it is a deliberate strategy aimed at destroying communities and erasing cultural identities. In both Rwanda and Nazi-occupied Europe, women faced specific forms of violence that were central to the perpetrators' genocidal goals.
This website seeks to honor their stories, analyze the historical and legal recognition of these crimes, and contribute to the broader understanding of gender’s role in genocide. This is both an educational resource and a space for reflection, offering insights into the experiences of women who were deliberately targeted to dismantle their families, communities, and cultural continuity.
Disclaimer
This website contains graphic and sensitive content, including descriptions of sexual violence, survivor testimonies, and depictions of genocidal atrocities. Viewer discretion is advised. The material is intended to educate, memorialize, and deepen understanding of these complex and painful histories. If you or someone you know is affected by the topics discussed here, please seek support from appropriate mental health resources or crisis hotlines.
Immigration to America
WELCOME
Our website attempts to educate visitors about the topic of immigration in the U.S. Our sub-topics are as follows: Indian immigration, Chinese immigration, and Italian immigration. America is a country that has been built by immigrants. The American immigration experience is one shared by many ethnic and religous groups and yet, all are distinctive. Oftentimes, ethnic and religious groups who have immigrated face xenophobia and/or negative stereotypes. We hope to present our findings in a more encompassing and less-biased light.
We hope that you find our website helpful in broadening your understanding of immigration to America.
Thanks for visting!
Cold War (Global)
The Cold War (1947-1991) was a complex and multifaceted global conflict that shaped international relations in the second half of the 20th century. Characterized by ideological, political, and military rivalry, it primarily pitted the United States and its allies against the Soviet Union and its satellite states. This period was marked by a series of proxy wars, nuclear arms races, and intense propaganda campaigns, fundamentally altering the geopolitical landscape.
In addition to military tensions, the Cold War influenced culture, economics, and science worldwide. The struggle for influence extended beyond Europe to Asia, Africa, and Latin America, with nations grappling to align with either the capitalist or communist bloc. Key events, such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and the Space Race, illustrated the pervasive nature of this rivalry, demonstrating how local conflicts were often fueled by global ideological battles.
This website aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the Cold War, examining its causes, major events, and lasting impacts on contemporary global affairs. By analyzing historical documents, personal narratives, and scholarly research, we seek to enhance understanding of this pivotal era, highlighting the ways it continues to shape modern political dynamics and international relations.
This page will dive into four different topics -
One will be the effects of proxy wars on indirectly involved countries, and how many of these conflicts have led to lasting impacts on countries and wider regions.
The influence of the Cold War regarding science and technology also falls within the scope of this exhibit. Specifically, this page will investigate how medicine, space technology, and scientific education changed during the Cold War and the lasting impacts.
Another focus will be on the Chernobyl disaster of 1986, examining its role in exposing the weaknesses of the Soviet Union during the Cold War. This topic will analyze how the nuclear catastrophe impacted the USSR’s international standing, contributed to global nuclear policy changes, and shaped Soviet-Ukrainian relations, ultimately influencing the Cold War’s trajectory.
Little Italies of California
The contributions of Italian Americans in two thriving California cities, San Jose in Northern California and San Diego in Southern California as seen through their respective Little Italies. By comparing these two communities from different regions, we try to highlight both their unique distinctions and commonalities. Looking into the Italian American experience in both Northern and Southern California, this project will demonstrate the diversity of experiences and cultures in the United States. It will also provide insight into the lifestyle, traditions, and historical impact of Italian immigrants and their descendants in California. The central research question is, what are the cultural traditions and historical contributions of Italian Americans in Northern and Southern California? California has many Little Italies. In this exhibit, we are focusing on two. The Little Italy in San Diego and the Little Italy in San Jose. We choose these two to show the contrast between Northern and Southern California. By using the diversity themes, we will be focusing on how Italian American communities have maintained their distinct traditions while also influencing the bigger American society. While also aiming to examine the role of Italian immigrants and their descendants in shaping the cities of San Diego and San Jose, both historically and in today's times. The overall goal is to share the great things Italian Americans have done in the great state of California.