University of Pennsylvania (Penn Museum)

The Penn Museum at the University of Pennsylvania will expand its Global Guides program to provide learning opportunities that make ancient objects more relevant for individuals, families, and students. The museum will hire Global Guides for the Tour of China Gallery and develop workshop lessons that support classroom curriculum incorporating 21st century skills such as world languages, multiple perspectives, intercultural communication, and appreciation for cultural diversity. Visitors have expressed interest in gaining a deeper understanding of other cultures and the connections between life now and in the ancient past. To address this audience feedback, the program trains and empowers immigrants and refugees to share new insights into the museum's collections from their personal cultural heritage perspectives. The Global Guides program provides visitors with a positive learning experience with individuals whose race, ancestry, and ethnicity are often misunderstood in America.