PPSP planning list

[Elizabeth Dinschel <>]

I really like the topic, but I am a little concerned the concept of "legacy" might be a little bit too abstract for average high school students and certainly too advanced for junior high and elementary students.  If we present legacy and its "problems" (a typical argument used against presidential libraries), it may cross a line that many presidential libraries will find to be too political to participate in as well.  I would really think about this as a presentation option and really define the parameters to be broad enough that we can reach younger students and avoid making it a criticism of presidential library-museums.

I think as an alternate, looking at Presidential decision-making and public perception is always interesting. If we look at the legacy of a single event, it may be a good way to pare it down. Many things are unpopular at the time (or vice versa) and then it becomes an important legacy.

Elections are interesting.  Maybe something that broaches the relationship of the President with one, or both, of the other branches of government would be good. The President as Commander in Chief would be very good- even Presidents with relatively peaceful terms had to make hard choices and it is something students could wrap their minds around.  There are questions about war powers on the AP exams as well, which might make it more appealing.  

I look forward to more discussion about this.  It is always one of my favorite programs!

       

ELIZABETH DINSCHEL

Education Specialist, National Archives and Records Administration

Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum

 319.643.6031

www.hoover.archives.gov

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On Thu, Jul 27, 2017 at 2:38 PM, Peak, Marianne <> wrote:

I agree and more important now than ever.  Presidential influences, actions result in their Presidential legacy that carved out the present and influences the future.  Life after the Presidency -  Living the Legacy???  Interesting topics for discussion.  Comparing Presidential legacies...   Living Presidents defining their legacy and what people perceive their legacy to be -  is it the same and if not, how different?

Fascinating subject -  You can tell I like the topic.

Marianne Peak

Marianne Peak

Superintendent

Adams National Historical Park

135 Adams Street

Quincy, MA  02169

Office:  617 773-1177

Cell:     617 694-8258

Email:  

On Thu, Jul 27, 2017 at 3:15 PM, Northrip, Julie <> wrote:

I like the idea of legacy as well!

Julie Northrip

Chief of Interpretation
Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site
7400 Grant Road
St. Louis, MO 63123
314-842-1867 ext. 223

On Thu, Jul 27, 2017 at 12:35 PM, James Werle <> wrote:

Hi Matt and All,

 

A thought just occurred to me on a potentially interesting theme – how about something around presidential legacy?  We could explore all sides and views, and how a president’s legacy evolves and is reinterpreted over time.

 

This is meant to open a discussion on potential themes in advance of the planning kick off call in August.  Feel free to think on it and weigh in with ideas and thoughts!!

 

Best,

James

 

James Werle

Director, K20 Initiative

US UCAN Program

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