Senior Thesis: Eleanor Roosevelt and Prospects of Mankind

During my internship in Eleanor Roosevelt Papers Project, I found many interesting facts about Eleanor Roosevelt and her fervent interests in world affairs. Not only that, but she also had published more than 8,000 columns, 580 articles, 27 books, 100,000 letters, delivering over 1000 speeches, and appearing on more than 300 radio and television shows, which the Prospects of Mankind is one of their shows.

For those who do not know what the Prospects of Mankind is, This monthly series show, first aired on WGBH in October 1959, was not only a forum for leaders and decision makers to discuss the issues with Eleanor as mediator and host but also a rare assemblage of some of the most distinguished figures of the 20^th century.

Furthermore, the documentary record of her work is invaluable because it resonates with powerful examples of policies, debates and implementation strategies essential to contemporary discussions of democratic values and human rights policies.

I realized, to my disbelief, that her voice has been silenced, her vision and influence shrouded in stereotype or confined to obscure footnotes. In order to spread her voice and vision as well as the Prospects of Mankind, I intend to create an actual exhibition; somewhat, I have to focus on the questions concerning the reflection of her work on the current issues and the visitor engagement;

·      How can an interactive history/politic exhibition engage visitors ESPECIALLY kids in meaningful ways?

·      Will the stories reflect the current issues and people that have been marginalized by mainstream society?

That's what it looked like when I worked on my blog last night. Ha.