Iowa Public Television

Challenge Question Number 1 for Chief Curator #1123

Clearly describe what you expect from the students:
You are director/curator for the Svenson County Historical Society in southwestern Minnesota. Your mission statement declares that your purpose is "to promote an understanding of the economic, social, and political history of Svenson County, including the land, the wildlife and the people who have lived here." You have a small museum that is open Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and weekends, staffed by volunteers. You are the only paid staff member. The museum's collections and exhibits are mostly late 19th and early 20th century agriculture, clothing, and domestic items, with a few political posters, school materials, and courthouse records. You also have several stuffed owls, a stuffed moose, and an enormous collection of matchbooks donated by a recently deceased county resident who was a long-time Society volunteer.
Last week, you received an offer of a late 18th century rifle from James Doe, a lifelong resident of the county. Doe, a great-great-great-grandnephew of Daniel Boone, claims that the rifle belonged to the famous pioneer and has been handed down through the family. Doe received it a year ago from a cousin who lived all his life in northwestern Missouri. Along with the rifle comes a handwritten history of the artifact showing its succession of owners through the family, where they lived and when the gun was passed along to each. From all indications, it is reasonable to assume that Daniel Boone in fact owned the gun. Doe has asked that the gun be displayed and not be put in storage.
As curator, would you accept this rifle? Why or why not?
Remember: Use the best arguments you can put together for your choice, but your decision doesn't have to reflect your real opinion.

In order to give the teacher some guidance in evaluating the student's project(s); list some tips that may help to assess the student's work:
Since there is no right or wrong answer to this challenge, it is difficult to provide teacher guidance other than to make sure the students have discussed all aspects of collecting such a weapon.
However, students should consider the following in making their decisions: a) What is the mission of the institution? B) What are the restrictions? C) What is the impact on community relations?