Sharing our common humanity…

Teacher Sponsors
Ms. Pereira, Mr. Steko, Mr. Katsionis, Mrs. Morabito, Ms. Uhren, & Kwakwee Baker

 

Contest Details

The contest is inspired by the stories that artifacts tell. Artifacts, a vital part of our living history, exist all around us. Anything that provides more evidence about the cultural, economic, historical, religious, and social aspects of our society could be considered an artifact. We are interested hearing how you would respond to the following questions: In which ways do artifacts connect us to our own history, culture, family, and place? What does the story of an artifact tell us about ourselves?

This contest is an invitation for students at Burnaby Central to photograph an artifact and tell its story. What memories of your cultural and family heritage exist within the objects of our lives? How does an artifact reveal these heartfelt and insightful stories?  How does an artifact transcend time, revealing our collective memory?

Each submission will be displayed at the Burnaby Central ‘This is Us’ Exhibit.

What stories do artifacts tell?

 The artifacts in our lives are a vital part of our living history. An artifact, or a human-made object, physically exists in a place at different moments in time. It can contain historical and cultural memories. In which ways do artifacts connect us to our own history, culture, family, and place? What does the story of an artifact tell us about ourselves?

Many artifacts are passed down from generation to generation, becoming a part of our family and cultural heritage. Some examples include family photographs, medals from war, jewelry, religious items, diaries, old coins or stamps, kitchen items, clothing, or literature. Artifacts are all around us. They can be found in our homes, gardens, streets, parks, and churches, among other locations. Anything that provides more evidence about the cultural, economic, historical, religious, and social aspects of our society could be considered an artifact. Preserved in museums around the world, artifacts tell the stories of humanity’s downfalls, achievements, and innovations.

Imagine the artifact not in a spotlight by itself, but rather against a variegated backdrop of people, places, and events.

The Significance of Artifacts

An article from the Smithsonian Institution suggests different ways to think about artifacts. They include the following:

Artifacts tell their own stories.

 Artifacts connect people.

 Artifacts capture moments.

 Artifacts reflect changes.

 

The aim of this contest is to challenge students to examine the value of artifacts from multiple perspectives. “Imagine the artifact not in a spotlight by itself, but rather against a variegated backdrop of people, places, and events.” What story emerges?

SOURCE:

Steven Lubar and Kathleen Kendrick, “Looking at Artifacts, Thinking about History.”  Smithsonian Education.