Local museums and archives offer valuable resources for conservation of natural resources class.

by Vicki Heisser  |   

A local museum and its archives can be great for a conservation of natural resources class. It can help students learn about local biodiversity, historical land use, cultural and indigenous perspectives, conservation initiatives, and environmental policy. Additionally, it can facilitate hands-on learning, promote community engagement, bridge theory with practice, provide interdisciplinary learning, and offer research opportunities. By visiting a museum, students can learn valuable information on the local environment, its history, and the challenges and opportunities for conservation while fostering a sense of responsibility for their local environment.

 
In an interview, Dr. Caren Oberg, the Curator of Collections and Exhibitions at the Valdez Museum, shares what students learned during a recent class visit. The students were introduced to the history of Old Valdez and the impact of the 1964 earthquake. They were also taught about repeat photography and using archives for research purposes. Dr. Oberg emphasizes the importance of preserving and collecting artifacts from the present day, such as items related to the COVID-19 pandemic, to document the history of Valdez in the 21st century. During the class, Faith Revell, Curator of Education and Public Programs, led the students in an activity that involved analyzing primary sources, such as photographs, newspapers, and artifacts. The goal was to teach the students the process of historical analysis and encourage conversations and reinterpretation of history.
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