Grade 8 Curators Begin Their Journey into History

Every year for the past 16 years, our Grade 8 students have entered into the Lobkowicz Palace, a place filled with centuries of rich history, art, and culture. Walking through its grand halls and exploring its treasured collections, the students are immediately immersed in a world of stories waiting to be discovered.

Earlier this month, students completed the first phase of the Junior Curator Challenge. With the guidance of Matthew Hayes and the Lobkowicz Palace curators, students carefully examined assigned artifacts, asked questions, and began to uncover the history behind each object. 

During this first part of the challenge, students were introduced to their assigned historical artifacts and began their analysis and observation of the item. Like real museum curators, they examined their objects up close, studying materials, craftsmanship, markings, condition, and possible historical context. Grade 8 students were challenged to ask questions, form initial hypotheses, and began piecing together the story behind their item.

“When young people are trusted with real historical objects, they discover that history is not distant or untouchable. Through curiosity, touch, and their own perspectives, the past becomes meaningful — and relevant — to the present.”

- Dita Baker, Director of Administration and Educational Programming, Lobkowicz Palace

Now back in the classroom, the project has entered its next phase. Students are currently synthesizing their research, refining their interpretations, and building their formal presentations. They are working collaboratively to connect their artifact to larger historical themes, support their claims with evidence, and craft a clear and compelling presentation around their findings.

“This project is really interesting because it gives us insight into the job of an actual curator. I am excited for the presentation because I will get to present my findings of what the item is about, where it came from and the history behind it. So, it is really amazing to feel like an actual curator.”

-  Amalia, Grade 8 student

The final step of this process will take place on 31 March 2026, when students will present their research to fellow classmates, family and members of the Lobkowicz Palace. This culminating event will give them the opportunity to share not only what they discovered about their artifact, but how they approached the process of inquiry, demonstrating growth in research, critical thinking, and public speaking.

“I think the value in this project is that it is a real world task that students are given by the Lobkowicz Collections and the students are working together to make a contribution to keeping Bohemian history and culture alive.”

- Matthew Hayes, Grade 8 Individual and Societies teacher

This challenge continues to show that students are given ownership of their learning and the chance to engage deeply with the past. It’s an experience that transforms how students see history, museums, and their own potential as thoughtful communicators and global citizens. 

Read more about our students’ final presentations of the 2025 Curator Challenge by clicking here, and watch this video to explore the insights and inspiration shared by our students and educators.