Exhibit History

The Choosing to Participate initiative grew out of Facing History’s early classroom experiences with students who asked, “How can I make a positive difference in the world?” In response we released a Choosing to Participate resource book that sought to answer this question by examining the value of community service and service learning in a historical context, and highlighting the stories of people from diverse backgrounds throughout American history who confronted the serious social issues of their time. It taught that democracy can only remain vital through the active, thoughtful, responsible participation of its people. The Choosing to Participate exhibit draws on the intellectual foundation of Facing History’s sequence of study and from the lessons of this resource book.

Through this initiative we have a proven track record of reaching hundreds of thousands of teachers, students, families, and community members. Since its creation in 1998, the exhibit has traveled across the country—Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and Memphis—reaching more than 350,000 visitors. In 2008 an updated and expanded version of the exhibit premiered in Boston drawing more than 100,000 people, including over 10,000 students from 130 schools and members of 70 community groups.

Boston Public Library, 2008
Co-Chairs: Dana W. Smith, Beth S. Klarman and Alyce Lee
Honorary Chairs: The Honorable Mayor Thomas M. and Angela Menino

San Francisco Main Public Library, 2005
Honorary Chairs: Warren & Chris Hellman and Dr. Arlene Ackerman

LA Central Library/Downtown Los Angeles, 2003
Chair: Karen Sulzberger                                                                                      
Honorary Chairs: Lawrence & Lee Ramer

Memphis-Shelby County Library and Information Center, 2002
Co-Chairs: Michelle Fowlkes and Kay Usdan

New York Historical Society, 2001
Co-Chairs: Lee Daniels, Kathy Fuld and Floy Kaminski

Chicago Historical Society, 2000
Co-Chairs: Jennifer Aubrey Jacobs and Michelle Obama   
Honorary Chairs: Maggie Daley and Merri Dee

Boston Public Library, 1998
Co-Chairs: Martha Jackson and Alyce Lee