Morris, Ronald Vaughan. “Extra-Curricular Social Studies in an Open Air History Museum.” (2008)

This article discusses extra-curricular social studies in an Open Air History Museum. Open Air History Museum, Conner Prairie Interpretive Park in Fishers, Indiana, is a cultural institution that encourages and supports talented students as they participate in an extra-curricular program. Ten-to sixteen-year-old youths “apply for jobs” as youth interpreters at Open Air History Museum, where they work to help adult or student visitors experience the site. With a professional staff of approximately 100 and over 250 part-time interpreters contributing to the operation of the private non-profit museum, Open Air History Museum is located in the suburban community adjacent to Indianapolis. Open Air History Museum presents a collection of people from a variety of social classes, including the average citizen, not just the extremes who are engaged in seasonal activities. Students find ways to supplement social studies understanding when they turn to extra-curricular social studies programs and experiences. Students may find extracurricular social studies programs after school through multiple contests. Other cultural institutions, such as historical societies, libraries, and museums, provide excellent creative extra-curricular social studies programs.