Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites

On March 9, we’ll have a special one-day experience created by kids, for kids – Kids Curate.

For this experience, a group of sixth-grade students from Center for Inquiry School 2 came up with their own exhibit ideas and created them, from choosing the artifacts to writing the labels. The exhibits will show off four different themes: bees, wacky Indiana, Indiana legends and students of the past, present and future.

The junior curators themselves will be in the experience on March 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to talk about their exhibits, which will be open to the public and included with purchase of general admission.

What did they think about the experience? We thought we’d let them tell you for themselves.

How did you come up with your idea for your part of the exhibit?

“We thought about big myths and legends, then we looked at the artifacts that they had. We then chose the most famous peoples’ artifacts, then we made our exhibit.” – Abby P.

“We thought it was important to see the similarities and differences of the past and present, and think about the future’s similarities and differences (guessing what it will be like).” – Madeline A.

“I asked my mom about stuff from a while back and used some of the stuff for ideas in making our exhibit.” – Danica

“We all came up with what we wanted it to look like and went on from there.” – Alice B.

What’s been your favorite part in working on this project?

“The creating part because it was more active.” – Isabel M.

“I think my favorite part would have been picking out what we were going to put in the exhibit and where we were going to put it. Also, my other favorite part was setting up the exhibit and making it how we wanted to.” – Asha B.

“My favorite part of this project is getting to see all the artifacts.” – Morgan W.

What was one of the hardest parts in creating your piece of the exhibit?

“I think that it was really hard to decide the artifacts to put in the exhibit. I also think that it was hard to come up with activities that we could use.” – Audrey A.

“Writing good descriptions for each of the artifacts.” – Abby P.

“Everyone agreeing on the topic.” – Rae D.

“Finishing everything in time because we almost didn’t finish the dance floor for one of our main attractions in the exhibit.” – Thomas

“The hardest part was probably having to compromise with group members because we all wanted different things.” – Avie C.

Why do you think it’s important for kids to have a say in museum exhibits?

“To let others/adults know that you can accomplish anything that you dream. Especially when you can make a difference in the world.” – Allison M.

“So people know we can do the same things adults do.” – Sampson

“Because then we can express how we feel about the world.” – Rowan D.

“Because everyone has a right to speak.” – Joseline M.

“I think it’s important so that kids want to learn about what they are seeing. Nobody knows kids better than kids themselves!” – Dallin F.

“Because kids are people too, and they might just have a better imagination as well.” – Leo

“So the world knows that kids can do cool things like museum people.” – Adele E.

What do you hope people learn in your exhibit?

“That kids can make things as good as adults if we work together.” – Sophie G.

“That almost nothing is permanent. And we mold the future and present, with the help of the past.” – Jacob L.

“I hope that people will learn that a bunch of kids can do something as good as a bunch of adults.” – Katherine M.

“I hope people will learn that not just adults can do big things and that people can know about the past, present and future.” – Trinity J.