American Encounters

Who Speaks The Voice Of History The facts of history in the eyes of Americans have been viewed in many lights. The Smithsonian exhibit entitled, “American Encounters” is no exception. This multimedia exhibit focuses on American Indians, Hispanics and Anglo-Americans in New Mexico. Although the exhibit contains many noteworthy facts about the culture and lifestyle of the Indians, in my opinion, many other aspects of Native American history were left in the shadows. The Smithsonian …

…Once again the “American Encounters” exhibit confirms Carr’s statement. The authors of this exhibit choose which aspects of history to amplify. I don’t completely understand why the modern lifestyle of an American Indian is uplifted, yet acknowledgement of their burdened past is vague. Visuals and artifacts provide an understanding of the exhibit that a plaque alone cannot equally produce. It is imperative that the presentation of historical facts are appealing, explicit and powerful.