Reconstructing America

Step into history and experience the journey of a nation divided and rebuilt. This exhibit is organized as a living timeline—Before, During, and After the Civil War—highlighting key events that shaped the United States.
Working with partners, students researched significant moments from this era and created interactive, in-person presentations to share their learning. As you move through the timeline, you’ll encounter each group bringing history to life, helping you understand how events are connected and how they impacted people then—and now.
This walk invites you to explore the causes, conflicts, and consequences of the Civil War and Reconstruction through the voices and perspectives of student historians.

This exhibit celebrates identity, voice, and individuality. Each piece begins with a collage of images representing the artist’s unique experiences, interests, and culture. Students then layered their own silhouette over the collage, symbolizing how personal identity is shaped by the many influences in their lives. Accompanying each artwork is an “I Am” poem, where students express who they are, what they value, and how they see themselves as part of America. Together, these works show that America is made up of many stories—each one important, each one different, and each one worth sharing.

History is not only something we study—it’s something we care for. This exhibit highlights a student service learning project centered on an expedition to Oakland Cemetery, one of Atlanta’s most historic sites.

During their visit, students took part in hands-on preservation work, helping to clean, maintain, and beautify the cemetery grounds. Through this experience, they learned that preserving history requires responsibility, respect, and action. By contributing to the care of this important place, students connected the past to the present—honoring those who came before us while ensuring their stories remain visible for future generations.