Date of Award

2023

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design

Department

Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design

First Advisor

Linda Welters

Abstract

The United States continues to address the effects of institutional racism and microaggressions aimed towards Black Americans as a direct result of the kidnapping enslavement of African people since 1619 combined with the conservative backlash against any teaching materials honestly representing this legacy. The aim of this study is to create museum curriculum to assist in teaching students about enslaved people’s contributions to textile production circa 1775 to 1865 using Culturally Responsive Teaching Pedagogy (CRP). Primary source documents were collected and analyzed for inclusion. Current museum professionals were interviewed on best practices for teaching about difficult subjects and how interpretation and instruction of enslaved people has changed over time. The curriculum was geared towards a grade eleven audience for a school district in Virginia, including their required standards and skills. The primary sources were combined with the best practices and standards of learning to create a museum curriculum that allowed students to use analysis and critical thinking for a class discussion and optional longer writing prompt. Prior to utilizing the curriculum educators were asked to examine their own bias towards the material and towards their teaching practice.

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