New exhibition at Palmer Museum through July 27 calls for community response

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Palmer Museum of Art at Penn State presents a special exhibition giving extra weight to the democratic ideal of power of the people, titled “Shaping American Histories, Dreaming American Futures,” on view now through July 27. Visitors to the exhibition are encouraged to voice their reflections on the nation’s past, present and future via a community response wall. Ideas contributed to the response wall will help shape the Palmer’s upcoming invitational exhibition in summer 2026, which will honor the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

The works of art on view in “Shaping American Histories, Dreaming American Futures” represent various histories of America that coexist in textbooks, popular culture and the minds of all who call this country home. By looking closely at objects that explore the "American Dream," define American values, or visualize American heroes, the Palmer hopes to understand which stories, symbols, texts and sources are important to its community as its members collectively dream their own American futures. 

“The objects selected for this installation communicate the fact that there is not one American history, but many; not a single American future, but a diversity of possibilities,” said Keri Mongelluzzo, educator for academic engagement and access. “The media we consume, the historical figures we revere, and the books we read inform our vision of our nation's past and our hopes for its future."

The installation, located on the second level of the museum in the Jason D. Kogan Gallery, was designed with comfort and conversation in mind. After spending time with the works of art, visitors are invited to contribute any thoughts and impressions sparked by what’s on view to answer three questions that reflect on the nation’s past, contemplate the present moment, and look ahead to the future. Then they can post their observations on a collaborative sticky-note response wall. 

“The response wall invites visitors to share their reflections on America with us,” said Bronwyn Flemming, education and public programs specialist at the museum. “With seating areas designed for conversation and contemplation, the gallery becomes a space for them to dwell, connect and let us know what matters most to them.

“These community voices help keep our museum work grounded, relevant, and responsive to the world around us, which is the main point for the exhibition," Fleming added. "Visitors’ sticky-note reflections will each be read and logged by museum staff, then used to influence the themes and choices in next summer’s special exhibition in celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary."

The Palmer Museum invites all community members to visit the “Shaping American Histories, Dreaming American Futures” exhibition and share their responses before it closes on Sunday, July 27. 

About the Palmer Museum of Art 

The Palmer Museum of Art at Penn State is the largest art museum collection between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, and the most significant academic art museum in the state of Pennsylvania. A key element of Penn State’s land-grant mission of teaching, research and public service, the museum is a vital and accessible cultural resource for Penn State’s students, faculty and scholars, as well as for all visitors to and from the entire central Pennsylvania region. Through its world-class objects, programs and outreach, the free museum is a welcoming, inclusive and vibrant forum for authentic arts experiences and cultivates meaningful dialogue about today’s most potent ideas and pressing concerns. 
 
An expansive 21st-century teaching museum, the museum is a beacon for advancing the arts and humanities on Penn State’s University Park campus and throughout its diverse communities. The Palmer is dedicated to catalyzing groundbreaking research, scholarship and publications and providing impactful, object-based learning for Penn State and K-12 students. The Palmer’s rewarding and thought-provoking exhibitions and programs promote visitor participation, belonging and discovery. In January, the Palmer was voted one of 10 winners in the national USA Today 10Best contest for Best New Museums of 2025.