Made By Us

Over the weekend, one pair of Dorothy’s famous #RubySlippers became “the most valuable movie memorabilia ever sold at auction” (NBC News). But where can YOU see a pair? At the Smithsonian National Museum of American History , of course! Made By Us teamed up with the museum to explore the “Entertainment Nation” exhibition, which showcases iconic and memorable objects from the history of American entertainment - including these legendary slippers from “The Wizard of Oz.” The Ruby Slippers Spotlight in Entertainment Nation is generously supported by American Cruise Lines.

Made By Us is excited to welcome the 2025 Civic Season Design Fellows! Fellows will continue the work of previous cohorts in shaping how communities across the country connect with history and civic engagement. Our cohort consists of 10 fellows between ages 18 and 29, bringing a dynamic mix of perspectives, talents, and passions to the 5th Annual Civic Season. Selected from a highly competitive pool, they include artists, activists, educators, students, and community leaders from across 10 states, representing both rural and urban communities from Arizona to Georgia. Learn more about each of the fellows here and what they’re excited to dive into in 2025: https://lnkd.in/eRHUa-Dr Meet the Fellows: Scottie Vandy, Brooke Tran, Eliana Massey, Keonte Wells , Haoshu Sascha Deng, Erick Li, Maggie Bell, Amanda M., Vi Anderson, Camille E.

As we prepare to celebrate America's 250th anniversary in 2026, how can organizations use this as an opportunity to look ahead to our next 250 years? For the latest Humanities in Action podcast, we spoke with Cameron Katz with Made By Us about their work building a coalition of cultural institutions and members of Gen Z to empower young adults to understand our complex history in order to create our future. Search for Humanities in Action wherever you get your podcasts or click here: https://lnkd.in/eaJiQnch #podcast #sharedfutureslabtn #250th

💡 How can you help bring credible history to the next generation? A note from our Executive Director, Caroline Klibanoff:   "With a divisive election behind us, the future of our nation ahead of us, and Thanksgiving dinner table conversations just around the corner, it’s more important than ever to cultivate curiosity about 'how we got here.'    Visiting museums and historic sites always reminds me: the American story is expansive and still being written. We’re accelerating the effort to uplift these places as civic hubs in our communities, critical “third spaces” that invite us to HOMAGO: Hang Out, Mess Around and Geek Out. (More formally known as “civic dialogue.”)   Whether you visit in-person over the holidays, or prefer to scroll from the couch, we’re ready to learn with you. Next month, the #Youth250 Bureau breaks ground with 100 young leaders tee’d up to co-create the U.S. 250th anniversary. And this summer, the fifth (!) #CivicSeason will help millions of Americans connect to their local stories, weaving together many threads of our democracy.    These big ideas were born out of moments of deep change, and intentionally designed to stand upon the shifting sands of politics and culture, growing with the American people. That’s how we work –and it’s only possible with your support.    Help us ensure the next generation has access to credible U.S. history. Every contribution helps us deliver credible, relevant history to young people. Your support directly enables us to provide tools, resources, coordination and guidance to historic sites and museums, cultivating a network of civic hubs, the pillars of our democracy. Donate here to help the mission: https://lnkd.in/eEb-kUnW And learn more about our work: https://lnkd.in/eXiXFmWB

This past two weeks in New Zealand, Made By Us Executive Director Caroline Klibanoff held several meetings to explore youth inclusion, civic engagement, multicultural narratives and the strength of democratic institutions, thanks to Eisenhower Fellowships. Some highlights: 💡 New Zealand’s breadth and depth of youth councils, youth advisory boards and youth reference groups that drive civic engagement and decision-making in government. Learning from Auckland City Council’s Victoria Wicks-Brown, Megan Tyler and Ayla Johnstone; Christchurch’s Joshua Wharton and Danielle Endacott; Wellington’s Greer Forde-MacNaughton and Dr Benjamin Moorhouse, and more. 🏛️ Tours and meetings with cultural institutions, including a kōrero of museum sector leaders organized by Courtney Johnston at Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa; Naomi Murgatroyd at Wellington Museum, Zoe Richardson, James Taylor and Victoria Passau at Auckland War Memorial Museum; Caroline Wallis and Tessa Dalgety-Evans at the National Library of New Zealand 🌃 Connecting the dots between youth input, a stronger economy, greater well-being and future readiness, with experts Victoria Mulligan, Cheryl Doig, Gareth Hughes, Thomas Blakie - who are equipping decision makers with foresight tools and youth vision. 🌏 Understanding the global landscape for the UN Declaration on Future Generations, with youth experts Liam Williams, Yana S., Ellen Dixon, Adriana Bird 🙋 Discussing public participation in our past + future, diving into commemoration with Rowan Light or citizens' assemblies with Anne Bardsley and Tatjana Buklijaš at the Koi Tū Center for Informed Futures ➡️ Meeting with innovative engines of youth power, like Sophie Handford, the 24-year-old elected councilmember who led School Strike for Climate Change; Festival for the Future and Inspiring Stories' Emma Davison; Make It 16 and the work of Caeden Tipler and Sanat Singh; or The Hive, which connects NZ's decision-makers with youth, with support from Victoria Tupou, Kate McLeod and Eddy Royal; and Student Volunteer Army's Sam Johnson 🤝 Eisenhower Fellow alumni Chris Gallavin, Bernadine Vester, Geoffrey Moss, Wil M. and Kirsten Mason And many other folks along the journey. Catch up here on the purpose of Caroline's experience and how this informs #Youth250: https://lnkd.in/eGVY7nDP

📣 We’re looking for Ambassadors to help design the 5th annual Civic Season! Civic Season is a growing summer tradition between Juneteenth and July 4th. Designed by young people for young people, Civic Season boosts civic engagement across the country and helps us learn more about our past with resources and programs from 570+ history and civics organizations across the country. AMBASSADORSHIP DEETS! ⏱ Approximately 1 hour per week from January to July 2025 💻 Remote and in-person in your area 🏛 Work with history museums nationwide 👯♀️ Meet other Gen Z peers and join our growing youth community 🤩 Make change in your community and nationwide 🫶 Must be between 18-30 years old to apply, organizations can apply too! 🇺🇸 Must live in the United States All levels of interest are welcome to apply! Want more information? Email hopemarie@historymadebyus.org Applications are due by December 6th. 👉🏻 Apply here: https://lnkd.in/eWz9tzE2 #VolunteerOpportunity #CivicSeason #History #GenZ #GenZOpportunities #GenZ #Remote

Only 45 people have been president, but millions of Americans shape our country every day. As a Youth250 Bureau Member, you will help write the future of the United States. This is the power of the people.  Applications close on November 9th at 11:59pm PST. No specific experience is required— just your lived experience and passion. As a Youth250 Advisor, you’ll: 📚Participate in 20 hours of training with experts from organizations like the Smithsonian Institution, Teen Vogue, the National Park Service, and more 👯♀️ Meet other Gen Z peers and join our growing youth community  🤩 Advocate for youth inclusion and help shape programming for the 250th anniversary 🤳Be featured in social media, blogs, and other media outlets. This is a fully remote opportunity with a $1,400 stipend. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/ep-AwGEg Email Alex@historymadebyus.org for questions.

Throughout our history, the fight for #voting rights has taken place all over the country – from Missouri to Utah to Georgia. As millions of Americans head to the polls for #ElectionDay, let’s take a moment to remember all the people who came before us and fought for all Americans to have a say. What voting rights sites are in your hometown? 👀 📍 Old Courthouse in St. Louis, MO from Missouri Historical Society 📍 Angel Island in San Francisco, CA from Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy 📍 Turning Point Suffragist Memorial in Washington, D.C. from National Women's History Museum 📍 Salt Lake City public library in Salt Lake City, UT from Utah Historical Society 📍 Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA from Made By Us

I had the privilege of being a part of the "youth" representation at their Atlanta workshop. Thank you to Made By Us for starting this conversation on how we can incorporate intergenerational civic engagement as we look to the 2026 250th anniversary of our country and beyond. 🗽 I will also happily volunteer to be a translator of Gen Z memes for any future events. 😉

🚨7 Days Left to Apply: 2025 Civic Season Design Fellowship Application Closes November 1st!🚨 Made By Us is excited to invite young people ages 18-30 to apply for the Civic Season Design Fellowship! This unique opportunity allows young people to make a meaningful impact in their community while collaborating with peers and history museums on a nationwide movement. Time is winding down, so don’t miss your chance! Fellowship Highlights:  ⏱️4 hours per week from January to July 2025  💻 Fully remote experience  🏛️ Work with history museums across the country  👯♀️ Connect with fellow Gen Z changemakers 🤩 Drive change in your community and beyond 💵 $1,500 stipend No history expertise is required—all levels of interest are welcome to apply! Applications close on November 1st, and the deadline is approaching fast. If you missed our info session, you can still watch the recording for insights and details about the fellowship. 👉 Watch the info session recording here: https://lnkd.in/eZZ9Zw_p 👉Learn more and apply now: https://lnkd.in/ecUuFduZ