In September of 2018, a 200-year-old museum in Brazil that housed 20 million historically significant artifacts from many cultures and time periods caught fire.  As much as 90 % of its contents were destroyed, including an ʻahu ʻula (feather cape) given to Brazil leader Dom Pedro in 1824 by King Liholiho (Kamehameha II) during a stop in Rio de Janeiro while on his way to London.  This event lead Kumu Prais’ 8th grade English class to embark on a journey of inquiry that helped haumana recognize how historically important literacy has been in Hawaiʻi, and to understand why it is important to care and know about the past in order to make sense of the future.  Students worked in cooperative groups to organize and display what they learned, creating interactive ʻahu ʻula that are displayed in Keanolani Learning Center.  Viewers can read about the significance of Liholihoʻs promotion of Hawaiian literacy, his global mindset,  and Hawaiiʻs connection to the Brazil Museum fire.  They can also scan a QR code to test what they learned.  Stop by and see our display! 

by Kumy Robin Prais

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Kaipuolono Article, Regions, Waialua, Maui Newsroom, Maui Middle School, Maui campus

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