Recognizing an Imperfect Past
Race is an integral part of the American story. While our diversity has been a source of great strength, all too often we have failed to achieve the promises of equality and justice proclaimed in our founding documents.
Through Recognizing an Imperfect Past, the Georgia Historical Society seeks to create a fuller, more inclusive narrative that honors the complexities of our past while looking forward to a better future. By blending historical content and open dialogue, GHS uses programming across sectors to have difficult but necessary conversations to address the challenging parts of the American story.
Recognizing an Imperfect Past Mission:
- Foster open dialogue.
- Bridge gaps of understanding.
- Expand diverse historical narratives.
Continue reading to learn about the initiative and how you can get involved.
Corporate
GHS has become the go-to trusted history resource for leaders across the state of Georgia. Whether through a small group interaction with senior leadership or a video conference with the entire staff, targeted programs highlighting the most difficult moments and questions in our national story can give valuable insight into issues that have troubled generations of Americans.
Each session includes:
- Historical overview of the challenges, successes, and legacy surrounding race in Georgia led by historians.
- A moderated discussion of historical content focused on participant questions and reflections led by a trained facilitator.
Participating companies include:
Education
The Education program, Teaching Challenging Histories: A Primary Source Approach, bridges the gaps of understanding in education allowing teachers and students to approach complex historical subjects with confidence and clarity. Our program provides educators, pre-service teachers, and students with practical tools and content to help foster respectful and thoughtful discussion around Georgia’s history.
Opportunities include:
- Teacher Workshops
- K-12 Professional Development
- Higher Education Course Partnerships
Primary Pathways is a collection of lesson plans created by pre-service teachers after completing the Teaching Challenging Histories: A Primary Source Approach online course. Using the ACT and SEE strategy framework, these lessons translate course learning into practical, inquiry-driven classroom experiences that support critical engagement with complex histories.
Reconstruction:
|
September 11th:
|
Georgia Historical Society’s Teaching Challenging Histories: A Primary Source Approach presents a self-paced online course for teacher professional development. Unveiling the Past: Integrating Picture Books, Community Voices, and Archives in Teaching Challenging Histories will equip educators with strategies for supporting students investigating complex topics using primary sources and picture books.General Public
Georgia Uncovered: Investigating Our State’s Legends guides the public through Georgia’s legends, using primary sources and historical documents to reveal the true stories behind the legends.
Featured resources include:
- Story Maps
- K-12 Educational Resources
- Dispatch Videos featuring Dr. Stan Deaton
Online Exhibits
How to Participate
GHS is grateful for the corporate and institutional support that makes this initiative possible. Participation in Recognizing an Imperfect Past gives organizations the chance to move conversations about our shared past forward—both internally and externally. Options include hosting internal workshops and presentations or contributing to new educational and community resources such as historical markers, public programs, or online and classroom educational materials.
Recognizing an Imperfect Past offers many ways to engage with Georgia’s history. Whether you’re an educator, corporate leader, or a community member, we invite you to join us in encouraging a deeper understanding of Georgia’s rich past as we work to build a better future.
To learn more about how GHS can bring Recognizing an Imperfect Past to your group, classroom, or company, please contact LaPortia Mosley at lmosley@georgiahistory.com or 912-651-2125 ext. 157.