The University of Oregon’s Museum of Natural and Cultural History exhibit “Racing to Change”, is now available online. The all virtual format is a first for the museum.
The physical exhibit centered on civil rights in Oregon opened last October. “Racing to Change” offers local accounts of racism in Eugene and other places in the state.
It was created in partnership with the Oregon Historical Society’s Black Pioneers. The exhibit also includes sections dedicated to racism's enduring legacy, and movements today.
The pandemic temporarily closed operations and the museum opened with limited hours in August. This adjustment and renewed calls for racial justice led the museum to make the exhibit more accessible, said Communications Director Kristin Strommer.
She added they hope they can now reach a wider audience, now that the entire exhibit can be viewed online.
“Really to continue dialogue locally about ways that we can be anti-racist, ways that we can work together toward ensuring a more just future,” Strommer said. “The exhibit is really focused on the unfinished business that’s associated with civil rights in Oregon and with anti-racism in Oregon.”
Strommer said the museum has also released a grade 6-12 educators guide for teachers to use along with the virtual exhibit.
The exhibit recently received an Oregon Heritage Excellence award.
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