History Majors Prepare New Exhibit

This past semester, Seton Hall students made history! Those in the History Department’s new Public History Practicum worked with Thomas Rzeznik, Ph.D., to prepare a one-room exhibit on “Revolutionary Catholics” for the American Catholic Historical Society in Philadelphia. The exhibit, planned to coincide with this year’s 250th anniversary of American independence, went on display on Friday, June 5.

The exhibit highlights Catholic contributions to the revolutionary struggle and the founding of the new nation, as well as the ways that the revolutionary experience shaped the development of the Catholic Church in the United States. It also examines how these revolutionary Catholics have been remembered and recounted by later generations in their efforts to write themselves into the history of the United States.

The class offered students an introduction to the work of public history and provided them with practical, hands-on experience in the work of exhibit development. They cultivated their skills in historical research and interpretation, and learned how to communicate historical research to a popular audience.

As part of the course, students also evaluated other works of public history The semester began with a trip to the New York Historical to view their exhibits and exhibition space. For Emma Czeh, the experience taught her “how to look at museums more critically, not just the content, but the structure of the exhibitions.”

Later, students got a taste of archival research when they traveled to Philadelphia to spend a day at the Catholic Historical Research Center of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. For several students, this was their first time visiting an archive. “It’s impressive how much information the archive keeps safe,” noted Aidan D’Antuono, who gained an appreciation for “just how much work goes into organizing” those materials.

The class sessions focused on sharing research findings and planning out the exhibit. Students workshopped ideas on what materials to include and how to organize the information. They also discussed exhibit design, including graphic elements and font choices. “One thing that I really enjoyed about this course was how collaborative it was,” remarked Helen Jakubowicz. “We all enjoyed being with each other and doing this project together,” she noted. “I am proud of what was accomplished throughout the course of the semester.”

The class was particularly valuable for several students who plan to pursue careers in public history and museum professions. One class session included a panel discussion with those working in the field, including 2025 Seton Hall alumna Olivia Pasciucco, who talked about her job as assistant operations manager at Historic Cold Spring Village in Cape May, New Jersey.

At the end of the semester, students had the opportunity to present their work to the university community in April at Seton Hall’s annual Petersheim Academic Exposition. They offered a preview of their exhibit and shared their appreciation for the tremendous intellectual work that went into its preparation.

The exhibit will remain on view at the American Catholic Historical Society for the 2026-27 academic year, open to visitors at any of the Society’s scheduled events.

Categories: Arts and Culture, Nation and World, Research