History Redux

Question 1

What is the definition of a diorama?

Diorama Article

Answer 1

freeze-framed vignettes of animals and people in their habitats

Question 2

What is the intention of a diorama?

Diorama Article

Answer 2

“The intention of a diorama is to build a replica of a specific ecosystem and to do it with such precision that they become time capsules for that environment,” says Delehanty.

Question 3

What are two examples of dioramas Aaron Delahanty has created?

Diorama Article

Answer 3

Southern China in 5500 BC and east Africa in 1896

Question 4

How were taxidermied animals displayed until the late 19th century?

Diorama Article

Answer 4

Until the late 19th century, most museums displayed taxidermied animals and other natural specimens in aseptic rows of glass cabinets.

Question 5

Who is Carl Akeley?

Diorama Article

Answer 5

A taxidermist at the Milwaukee Field Museum

Question 6

What did Carl Akeley do that shifted the taxidermist field?

Diorama Article

Answer 6

He created what became known as the “Akeley method” which involved creating a custom artificial environment — including rocks, soil, trees, sky, and whatever else was seen in the field — for a group of animals.

Question 7

What was Carl Akeley’s first example of a diorama created using the Akeley method?

Diorama Article

Answer 7

The first example was his diorama of five muskrats in a carefully conceived set that contained a den, reeds, logs and sediment.

Question 8

What is the reason dioramas were created?

Diorama Article

Answer 8

Although early dioramas depended on the use of hunted animals, they were born from the desire to protect the planet’s fauna and flora

Question 9

Who were some people needed to create dioramas?

Diorama Article

Answer 9

scientists, sculptors, taxidermists, carpenters, muralists and painters

Question 10

Why would diorama creators like Akeley would go to the locations they’d later manufacture?

Diorama Article

Answer 10

In part to collect specimens but also to know their subjects and surroundings intimately

Question 11

How did the team at The Field Museum begin work on the hyena diorama project?

Diorama Article

Answer 11

• The team at The Field Museum started by looking at every available resource related to Akeley’s trip to Africa.
• Studied an expedition member’s journal, Akeley’s glass negatives, and even consulted astronomy charts.
• Gathered details about the size and shape of rocks, the colour of the sand, and the flora and fauna in the area during the specific time of the hyena collection.

Question 12

What measures did the team take to ensure every detail was accurate in the hyena diorama?

Diorama Article

Answer 12

• Made rocks from chicken wire and plaster
• Constructed plant replicas from neoprene poured into plaster moulds and hand-painted them
• They consulted botanists and biologists to verify every detail
• recreated the dung beetle’s ball of poo to match the environment accurately

Question 13

Why were the hyenas, prepared by Akeley a century ago, X-rayed before being included in the diorama?

Diorama Article

Answer 13

• The hyenas were X-rayed to understand how they were put together by Akeley.
• This helped the conservators in their work to “refresh” the hyenas by fixing tears in their skin and fading in their fur.
• Additionally, the X-rays ensured that all specimens were handled with care, especially considering the past use of toxic chemicals like arsenic in taxidermy.

Question 14

What is the mission behind creating these habitat dioramas?

Diorama Article

Answer 14

• The mission behind creating habitat dioramas is to educate museumgoers about rare animals they may never see in person
• As well, to foster a sense of care and appreciation for these creatures.
• By accurately depicting the animal’s ecosystems they inhabit, dioramas aim to create an immersive experience that sparks curiosity and concern for conservation.

Question 15

How did Aaron Delehanty convey the identity of the Hemudu culture in the Field Museum diorama?

Diorama Article

Answer 15

• Aaron Delehanty worked closely with archaeologists to depict a community near the Yangtze River.
  (- He placed puddles throughout the village and had people interacting with them, recognizing the central importance of water to their identity. - Delehanty also built the homes with popsicle stick floorboards, intentionally worn down to tell a complex story of generations of people living in the area)

Question 16

What is essential for a diorama creator like Aaron Delehanty when working on a project?

Diorama Article

Answer 16

• Keen observation and attention to detail
• He spends time studying nature, taking inspiration from real environments, and observing tiny details to recreate them accurately in his dioramas.

Question 17

How is the diorama of the city of Rochester from 1838 being updated for the 21st century?

Diorama Article

Answer 17

• The diorama of the city of Rochester from 1838 is being updated with new lighting, augmented reality, and possibly a soundscape
• This effort aims to enhance the visitor’s experience and make the diorama feel more immersive and relevant in the modern era.

Question 18

What is the significance of dioramas despite the availability of modern technology like Google Earth and social media platforms?

Diorama Article

Answer 18

• Unique perspective (that cannot be replicated by modern tech)
• 3D experience, allowing visitors to connect with the habitats and animals in a more personal way.
• Dioramas continue to be valued for their ability to create a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world.

Question 19

What can visitors experience at Poble Espanyol?

Poble Espanyol Article

Answer 19

Visitors to Poble Espanyol can experience the soul of Spain by admiring traditional architecture, buying local craftsmanship, and enjoying traditional food. The open-air museum features replicas of buildings from various regions of Spain, creating an authentic Spanish atmosphere.

Question 20

How was Poble Espanyol created and why was it initially intended to be demolished?

Poble Espanyol Article

Answer 20

Poble Espanyol was built for the 1929 World’s Fair in Barcelona. Designed by architect Puig i Cadafalch, the village was meant to showcase the diverse architecture of Spain. After the exhibition, it was intended to be demolished, but its popularity led to its preservation, despite facing challenges during Franco’s regime.

Question 21

What are some highlights and attractions within Poble Espanyol?

Poble Espanyol Article

Answer 21

Poble Espanyol offers a variety of attractions, including replicas of characteristic Spanish buildings, a multimedia area showcasing Spain’s cultural diversity, the Fran Daurel Museum of Contemporary Art, traditional craftsmen’s workshops, and restaurants offering local cuisine. Visitors can also enjoy evening events and concerts during the summer season.

Question 22

How does Poble Espanyol provide a unique experience for its visitors?

Poble Espanyol Article

Answer 22

Poble Espanyol provides a unique experience by allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the authentic Spanish way of life through traditional architecture, crafts, and cuisine. The open-air museum captures the essence of different Spanish regions, and multimedia areas engage all the senses in experiencing the cultural richness of the country.

Question 23

What is Heritage Park and what can be seen there?

Heritage Park Article

Answer 23

• Largest living history museum in Canada
• Employees of Heritage Park dressed in character eager to educate
• Park is populated with heritage buildings from around Alberta and walking through the village gives you a true essence of the past
• Sound of the steam engine in the background and horse carts being pulled on the streets, feels like you’re in 1905

Question 24

What is the span of Heritage Park?
(Meaning the amount of exhibits and the size of the park)

Heritage Park Article

Answer 24

200+ exhibits and attractions spread over 127 acres of lush parkland

Question 25

What are some of the activities?

Heritage Park Article

Answer 25

• Lunch/Snacks/Ice-Cream
• Ride on Steam Engine
• Horses

Question 26

Covid Restrictions?

Heritage Park Article

Answer 26

• Physical Distancing
• Required to wear a mask inside the buildings and on the train
• You must pre-purchase your tickets and book a specific time slot to enter Heritage Park
• On the train physical distancing is ensured by blocking seats in between
• There is signage to ensure one-way traffic

Question 27

What can you do without buying admission?

Heritage Park Article

Answer 27

• Grabbing a bite or snack at the Railway Cafe
• Visiting the lovely shops (which have the best vintage finds in Calgary along with nostalgic toys)
• Delicious ice cream!

Question 28

What does disney’s Frontierland showcase?

Frontierland Article

Answer 28

• Sight of Mark Twain Riverboat
• Columbia Sailing Ship approaching the dock beckon guests into Frontierland
• Panorama of America’s pioneer past.
• As you past through the entrance you are surrounded by sights and sounds that conjures up images of America’s western expansion
• Showcases from the bustling river fronts of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers of the late 1700s to the raucous and dusty desert southwest of the 1880s

Question 29

What is Frontierland?
(What does it incorporate?)

Frontierland Article

Answer 29

• Themed land at Disneyland
• Their take on America’s Frontier past
• Incorporates mexican culture

(Extra detail on mexican inclusions - only if wanted: Mexican culture is incorporated through Rancho del Zocalo restaurant and the presence of Miguel from the Pixar Animation Studios film Coco (2017). During the fall season, Dia de los Muertos is commemorated with a special tribute in Frontierland.)

Question 30

What are the top attractions

Frontierland Article

Answer 30

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Mark Twain Riverboat
• Sailing Ship Columbia
• Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes
• Tom Sawyer Island

Question 31

Where can you eat in Frontierland?

Frontierland Article

Answer 31

• Rancho del Zocalo - Quick service - View of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad train tracks
• River Belle Terrace - Sit down/Table service - Reservations Recomended
• The Golden Horseshoe - Air contitioned indoor location to enjoy their meals
• Stage door cafe - Walk-up window located outside The Golden Horseshoe

Question 32

What is Millenium City Park?
(Where, How large, and Date founded?)

Millenium City Park Article

Answer 32

• Location: Western shore of Longting Lake in Kaifeng China
• Size: Large-scale historical cultural theme park with 600Mu total floor space
• Founded: July 1992

Question 33

What is Millenium City Park based on?

Millenium City Park Article

Answer 33

Based on: the painting by the Chinese painter Zhang Zeduan, “Along the River During the Qingming Festival”
- Walking in Millenium City Park gives tourists a feeling that they have returned to one thousand years ago

Question 34

What can you do in Millenium City Park

Millenium City Park Article

Answer 34

• Walking in the streets along Bianhe River
• Walking in the imperial tree garden along Bianhe river
• Strolling in pavilions

Question 35

What is Pilmoth Patuxet

Pilmoth Patuxet Article 1

Answer 35

• Located at Plymouth MA
• Recreates 7.5 months of 1627
• Immersive recreation of a 17th-century English Village
• Actors portraying historical residents
• Heritage breed livestock
• Includes Wampanoag village
• Opened in1947
• Heavily researched environment

Question 36

What can be found in Pilmoth Patuxet?

Pilmoth Patuxet Article 1

Answer 36

• Colonial village with a fort
• Water-powered mill, and barns
• Wampanoag village
• A replica of the Mayflower
• Timber-framed houses (The homes have thatched roofs and include typical furnishings of the time, gardens, and functioning kitchens)
• Costumed Interpreters

Question 37

What can be found at the Wampanog Homesite?

Pilmoth Patuxet Article 1

Answer 37

• The homesite includes traditional “wetu” huts made of wattle and daub
• Staff at the Homesite wear traditional Wampanoag dress
• They also demonstrate time honored activities

Question 38

What is the Mayflower 2?

Pilmoth Patuxet Article 1

Answer 38

• Full-scale reproduction of the ship the Pilgrims sailed to Plymouth in 1620
• Mayflower II was built in Devon, England in the 1950’s
• Returned in 2020 for the 400th anniversary of it landing in Plymoth

Question 39

Why are Native Americans in Massachusetts calling for a boycott of Pilmoth Patuxet?

Pilmoth Patuxet Article 2

Answer 39

• Wampanoag members + supporters say the museum has not lived up to promise of being bi-cultural (doesn’t equally tells story of the European and Indigenous peoples that lived there)
• Indigenous portion is small, in poor condition, and staffed by people from non Wampanoag tribes

Question 40

What changes have been made to Plymouth to make it more Indigenous inclusive?

Pilmoth Patuxet Article 2

Answer 40

• Name changed to Patuxet, an Indigenous community near Plimoth
• Museum has expanded the outdoor Wampanoag exhibit
• They raised more than $2 million towards a new Indigenous programs building and has “several initiatives in place” to recruit and retain staff from Native communities

Question 41

What do different members of the Indigenous communites think of the changes made to Pilmoth Patuxet

Pilmoth Patuxet Article 2

Answer 41

• Paula Peters: “They’ve changed the name but haven’t changed the attitude”
• Carol Pollard, who’s brother helped develop the museum’s indigenous programming thinks that her brother would have been disapointed in the results
• Kitty Hendricks-Miller, a Wampanoag, also a supervisor at the Wampanoag exhibit worries about what people are taking away from their visits to the museum
• “There’s this unwillingness to acknowledge that times have changed,” said Casey Figueroa