Muse, Mind and Memory: Meditating on Louise Allen’s Biography of Laura Bragg

Abstract

Louise Allen’s study of Laura Bragg reminded me of this jar in Tennessee, for in her account of this Bragg’s work as a botanist, a librarian, a museum administrator and educator, we read a history of her work: the presentation of things. This process of gathering objects together so that they will draw the attention of others is one of the processes of curriculum, as we gather together the stuff of the world that we deem worthy of our children’s notice. Look, look, the pointing finger is the pedagogical gesture embodied in the work of Laura Bragg and in educators’ efforts to share the worlds they care about with children.