April 8–June 10, 2022 | Perlman Teaching Museum
Curated by students in Professor Baird Jarman’s “History of Campus Planning” course (Fall 2021) and Perlman Teaching Museum Director Sara Cluggish’s “Curatorial Seminar” (Winter 2022), Imagined Futures, Forgotten Pasts explores the architectural history of Carleton College from its founding in 1866 until today.
Partnering with the College Archives, students in both courses have researched the college’s rich history — gathering architectural plans, photographs, correspondence, promotional materials, and more. The display, in the museum’s Kaemmer Family Gallery, reveals plans for structures never realized, remembers buildings that were demolished, and details the repurposing of campus space over time. As the college continues to evolve, this exhibition offers Carleton’s community the opportunity to reflect upon campus architecture and its significance.
Explore the student’s research through a companion website, featuring an interactive timeline and historical stories about Carleton’s academics, arts, athletics, nature, religion, and student life.
Photo: Eric Mueller
Installation view, Imagined Futures, Forgotten Pasts, Perlman Teaching Museum, Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota. Photo by Eric Mueller.
To accompany the exhibition, student-curators have organized a busy program of gallery talks and campus tours!
Gallery Talks
All talks will take place in the Perlman Teaching Museum Galleries. Drop in — no booking required.
Friday May 6, 4:30–5:15pm
Histories of Gender and Race in Carleton Communal Living
Led by student curators Jevon Robinson ’22 and Aldo Polanco ’23
In Partnership with the Office for Intercultural Life
Wednesday May 18, 4:30–5:15pm
Engaging with the Landscape: The Carleton Farm, Arboretum, and May Fete
Led by student curators Arya Misra ‘22 and Lea Winston ‘22
In Partnership with the Cowling Arboretum
Friday May 20, 4:00–4:45pm
Pandemic Strikes! Carleton’s Student Health Services and the 1918 Pandemic
Led by student curators Dan Ashurst ‘22 and Lea Winston ‘22
Campus Walking Tours
Tours will take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays. They are 1 1⁄2 hours long, with the last half hour being spent in the exhibition itself (this portion of the tour is optional if you’re pressed for time). Please use the links below to reserve your free place and to read detailed descriptions.
If you would like to arrange a tour specifically for a class or other group, please fill out this request form and a member of the museum staff will be in touch!
Saturday, April 16, 1:00-2:30pm
His and Hers: Gender Norms and Campus Design at Carleton
Reserve a space on the April 16 tour
Wednesday, April 27, 4:00-5:30pm
Faced with Change: WWII and Modernization Come To Carleton
Reserve a space on the April 27 tour
Saturday, May 7, 1:00-2:30pm
The Early History of Carleton
Reserve a space on the May 7 tour
Wednesday, May 11, 4:00-5:30pm
His and Hers: Gender Norms and Campus Design at Carleton
Reserve a space on the May 11 tour
Saturday, May 21, 1:00-2:30pm
Faced with Change: WWII and Modernization Come To Carleton
Reserve a space on the May 21 tour
Wednesday, May 25, 4:00-5:30pm
The Early History of Carleton
Reserve a space on the May 25 tour