Interactive Video Conferencing, is a program created by the Minnesota Historical Society to provide interactive educational experiences for fourth through sixth grade students using new video-conferencing capabilities.
Using video conferencing technology, the History Live program enables museum educators to deliver high-quality, engaging history lessons to classrooms anywhere in Minnesota. Any location with an Internet connection can participate. In FYs14 and 15, MNHS added two new lessons and introduced an innovative new technique of integrating classroom and student technology, including smart phones, iPods, tablets and laptops into videoconferencing lessons. This technology allows students to access and explore digitized primary resources and answer questions via polls during the live video lessons.
Connecting Generations through History launched in November 2009 with 12 projects statewide, facilitated by Minnesota Historical Society staff, historic sites and public libraries.
Minnesotans of all ages are participating in deep intergenerational learning experiences by working together to document community history and create lasting products (exhibits, documentaries, audio tours etc.) that are shared with their communities. These intergenerational collaborations build relationships among members of older and younger generations, increase students" appreciation for Minnesota history and recognize the importance of older adults and their role in transmitting community history.
Minnesotans of all ages are participating in deep intergenerational learning experiences by working together to document and share community history. Major projects in FYs14 and 15 included a partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, in which the MNHS Teen Advisory Council supported Iraqi students in creating an exhibit about life in Baghdad. The teens met regularly via video-conference and had a private Facebook page. The exhibit created by the students was on display at the Minnesota History Center in December.
The Greater Litchfield Opera House Association contracted with an experienced historical architect to design and create a work plan to properly guide interior restoration and preserve remaining historic fabric of the Litchfield Opera House, listed in the National Register of Historic Places. A set of interior planning documents were developed for a final report. It will be used for future restoration work.
"The restoration of the Litchfield Opera House is a communityy project involving hundreds of people of all ages, talents and beliefs."
