A new art installation at Philadelphia’s Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, on Independence Mall, features photographs by 60 students from Central High School.
The Weitzman served as “Museum in Residence” throughout this school year in two “Theory of Knowledge” classes within Central’s International Baccalaureate program.
The museum’s director of education, Rebecca Krasner, worked with students to critically examine and celebrate American democracy.
Their images and writing in the installation respond to the question, “Where do you see the intersections of citizenship, community and care in your lives?”
The installation uplifts their voices and explores how young people express foundational democratic ideals.
The Weitzman is now presenting these photographs and short essays in Photographing Community: A Student Lens on Democracy in its second-floor atrium now through May 27.
Students and their families enjoyed a private opening reception in April.
All of the photographs and writing are available for viewing at https://theweitzman.org/exhibitions/photographingcommunity/.
The project is inspired by the American Creed: Citizen Power multiplatform documentary initiative and forthcoming PBS series.
Before the series launches, teens and young adults all over the country are taking photos that explore a range of essential American themes.
Central students are among the first to participate in the national effort.
“Central is one of the most diverse high schools in the country and some of the students are themselves immigrants,” Krasner said. “While most of the students are not Jewish, many of their experiences parallel the stories that we tell throughout the Weitzman. We’re proud to incorporate their diverse experiences and voices into our galleries.”
Established in 1976, the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History is the only museum in the nation dedicated exclusively to exploring and interpreting the American Jewish experience.
The Weitzman presents educational programs and experiences that preserve, explore and celebrate the history of Jews in America.
Standing as a bulwark against antisemitism, bigotry and hate, the Weitzman serves to connect Jews more closely to their heritage and to inspire in people of all backgrounds a greater appreciation for the diversity of the American Jewish experience and the freedoms to which Americans aspire.
For more information, visit www.theweitzman.org. ••
