Contemptible Collectibles: Curating ‘Difficult’ Objects
Led by David Pilgrim, Curator of the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia
Friday, February 18th, 10am – 12pm
LB 1014 (History Dept. Seminar Room)
In this interactive workshop, participants will use objects from the Jim Crow Museum to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges involved in displaying the material culture of stereotype, racism, and hatred.
Dr. David Pilgrim is a leading expert on issues relating to multiculturalism, diversity, and race relations. A professor of sociology, he is also the founder and curator of the Jim Crow Museum, a 9,000 piece collection of racist artifacts located at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan. His writings, many found on the museum’s web site, are used by scholars, students, and civil rights workers to better understand historical and contemporary expressions of racism and the complexity of race relations. Dr. Pilgrim has spoken at dozens of colleges and universities, and has been interviewed by most major newspapers in the United States about his work. He is a Ferris State University Distinguished Teacher, and currently serves as the university’s Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion.
