Jim Crow's Museum
Using Objects of Intolerance to Teach Tolerance
2004 • Documentary
About the Film
The Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia at Ferris State University houses one of the world's largest collections of racist artifacts. But this is not a museum that celebrates hatred—it's a museum that confronts it.
Jim Crow's Museum explores Dr. David Pilgrim's mission to use objects of oppression as teaching tools. Through interviews and archival footage, the film examines how racist imagery shaped American culture and why it's crucial to preserve these painful artifacts for educational purposes.
The documentary challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about America's past and consider how the legacy of racism continues to impact society today. By documenting Dr. Pilgrim's approach to battling racism through education, Clayton Rye created a powerful tool for dialogue and understanding.
Collaboration with Dr. David Pilgrim
Dr. David Pilgrim is the founder and curator of the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia at Ferris State University. His unique approach to combating racism involves collecting and displaying racist artifacts—not to celebrate them, but to educate people about the history and impact of racial stereotyping.
Clayton Rye, a colleague of Dr. Pilgrim at Ferris State University, recognized the importance of documenting this unconventional educational approach. The resulting documentary became a powerful exploration of how confronting painful history can be a tool for promoting tolerance and social justice.
The film was directed, shot, and edited by Clayton Rye, with Dr. Pilgrim serving as both subject and co-producer. Their collaboration resulted in a documentary that has been used as an educational tool in schools and universities across the country.
Dr. David Pilgrim
Curator, Jim Crow Museum
Ferris State University colleague and co-producer of the documentary
Mission & Educational Impact
The Museum's Mission
The Jim Crow Museum uses objects of intolerance to teach tolerance and promote social justice. By preserving and displaying racist artifacts, the museum provides a tangible connection to America's history of racial oppression and helps visitors understand the pervasiveness of racist imagery in American culture.
The Film's Impact
The documentary has been broadcast on PBS stations nationwide and distributed as an educational DVD by the Jim Crow Museum. It serves as a powerful teaching tool, helping educators facilitate difficult conversations about race, history, and the ongoing struggle for equality.
Awards & Recognition
Film Festival Awards
- 🏆
Best Documentary Award
Flint Film Festival
- 🏆
Audience Choice Award
Stoney Brook Digital Video Festival
- 🏆
Best Documentary
Grand Rapids Arts Festival
- 🏆
Golden Cassette Award
MCA-I, Detroit Chapter
Distribution & Educational Use
- 📺
PBS Broadcast
Broadcast on PBS stations nationwide, reaching audiences across the United States
- 💿
Educational DVD Distribution
Distributed by Jim Crow Museum at Ferris State University for educational purposes
- 🎓
Educational Tool
Widely used in schools and universities to teach about racism and tolerance
Production Details
Director, Cinematographer, Editor
Clayton Rye
Co-Producer
Dr. David Pilgrim
Year
2004
Production Location
Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Michigan
Format
Documentary
Distribution
PBS Nationwide, Educational DVD
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