After taking some time to consider deeply what I wanted to accomplish with my project in terms of the audience, I have thus begun to research and create some artifacts. Since I did my public history project for my last class on a similar subject, I am thinking of ways of creating a distinction between this project and the previous project. I can most likely use a few sources from that project, but ultimately, I want this project to be completely independent of the previous project.
In terms of research, I have been using various websites such as the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Royal Collection Trust, the British Library, and the British Newspaper Archive to find various sources that allow me to narrow my focus a bit. I have primarily been examining primary sources such as images, paintings, etchings, and newspaper articles. This is not set in stone and can change often as the research leads me to another direction. The main question I have right now is what themes I want to pursue and categories that can and do relate to the viewers. This has been my challenge thus far, as I know pets and class is one category, but the others have not been fleshed out as much. In terms of challenges, it has just been how to make this project distinct from previous work and how I can create something different and unique. This should not be difficult; it just requires me to think more creatively since I want more interactive features. My next steps are to continue finding sources and exploring themes that fit into the larger narrative. The themes are the largest factor I need to figure out, and that will be my main goal moving forward. I also hope to create the framework for the exhibit in Omeka just so I have an idea of what everything will look like.

Below is one of the images I have collected thus far. I chose this image because it was not only drawn by the famous author Beatrix Potter, but it highlights the significance of pets as part of the family. This image depicts a rabbit lying on a rug, which highlights the place of the pet in the household and that pets can be more than just dogs and cats. As for the questions I want the students and viewers to answer, the first is: What is the significance of this drawing? What does this picture tell us about pet ownership during the Victorian era? What does the enclosure the rabbit is in tell us about care or affection for the animal? Similar questions about the origin of the drawing, who drew it, and how this affects the image should also be considered. In terms of how I will assist their analysis, I will provide them with the metadata and key relevant information that assists the viewers with context and significance. This drawing provides one piece in the larger picture that each exhibit teaches and shows the viewer the larger argument.