When
Saturday, June 3, 2017
Where
Delaware History Museum, 504 N. Market Street, Wilmington DE, 19801
How many people exhibited objects?
7
How many people came but did not bring objects?
50
Organizers
The Delaware Historical Society
What was it about?
Coinciding with Immigrant Heritage Month, in which America’s diversity is celebrated across the United States, the Delaware Historical Society held its first ever Pop Up Museum with the theme “Immigrants Welcome.” The stories of immigration, cultural heritage, and family traditions are stories best shared which is why it was fitting to hold the event in Old Town Hall—the People’s Building in Wilmington—to share our objects.
As of 2016, official proclamations for Immigrant Heritage Month have been made by 46 U.S. cities and 17 state governors; this year, the city of Wilmington was added to the list of official proclamations as 4th District Wilmington Councilwoman Michelle Harlee provided a welcome address and read an official proclamation by Wilmington Mayor Mike Puryzcki.
How did it go?
It went well for our first Pop Up. A family from Puerto Rico brought several objects to share and a Bollywood dance instructor brought some items related to traditional Indian dance--and even taught many of the visitors some basic movements!
The Delaware Historical Society also sponsors the National History Day contest in Delaware. On the day of the Pop Up, the NHD-Delaware student winners were at the museum for a special pizza party. As a bonus, they also attended the Pop Up and engaged and interacted with the presenters. Many of the students were present during the Councilwoman's proclamation and appreciated the importance of this celebration of cultural heritage and diversity.