In the aftermath of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Julie Wroblewski, Director of Collections at the Chicago History Museum, has embarked on a vital mission to collect and preserve artifacts that document the historic event. While the marchers have moved on and the chants have faded away, Wroblewski's work is just beginning as she carefully combs over the remnants left behind by the thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators who gathered to denounce the convention.

Wroblewski, considered an archaeologist of the present, believes that if journalists write the first rough draft of history, then she and her colleagues ensure a more polished version for future generations. With the memory of the infamous 1968 convention hanging over the proceedings, the museum professionals have been hard at work this week, capturing and documenting the events unfolding both inside and outside the United Center.

The Chicago History Museum specializes in documenting social protest movements, making it particularly important for Wroblewski and her team to gather artifacts that accurately represent and reflect the spirit of the convention. The museum recognizes the significance of preserving tangible pieces of history as society's shared past increasingly resides in digital and ephemeral formats.

Despite the perception of museum work being quiet and archival, Wroblewski's role demands physical engagement with the environment where history happens. She refers to her job as "Chicago History Museum CrossFit" due to the physically demanding nature of collecting artifacts. Wroblewski actively immerses herself in the demonstrations, observing and connecting with protesters and organizers. Her intention is to obtain a wide range of perspectives rather than reflect her own or the museum's viewpoint.

The artifacts collected by Wroblewski include eye-catching signs and posters that highlight various causes animating the protesters. One such sign demanded "End U.S. Aid to Israel" alongside a call for "Community control of the police now!" These artifacts exemplify the diversity of concerns being voiced during the demonstrations. Each piece undergoes a meticulous selection process to determine its evidentiary and informational value.

The Chicago History Museum faces the challenge of limited space when deciding what to preserve in its collection. However, the institution sees itself as a community resource and aims to portray a comprehensive narrative. Wroblewski actively encourages protesters and organizers to connect with the museum if they wish to donate items, promoting transparency and distancing the institution from unethical collection practices.

At the end of a tiring and eventful week, Wroblewski's collection includes five signs, three fliers raising awareness about the suffering in Gaza, a leftist magazine, a spoofed copy of the New York Times accusing world leaders of war crimes, and numerous reference photographs of stickers and graffiti. The museum is still deliberating on how to display these materials, but plans include an exhibition, an oral history project, and making the artifacts available for future researchers.

Charles Bethea, the museum's Director of Curatorial Affairs, emphasizes the importance of museums as keepers of the public record, particularly in a time when debates about history and perspective are prevalent. Museums, he suggests, serve as bastions of truth, allowing people to reflect on events from multiple angles and analyze them as time passes. In the museum's "Designing for Change" exhibit, protest art from the 1960s and '70s social movements is showcased, including artifacts from the turbulent Democratic National Convention of 1968.

While the recent protests surrounding the Democratic National Convention in Chicago remained mostly peaceful and did not reach the levels of unrest witnessed in 1968, the parallels between then and now remain undeniably striking. Thanks to Julie Wroblewski and her dedicated efforts, future generations will have access to a tangible and comprehensive account of this historic event, enabling them to better understand and interpret the complexities of the era.