cyanotype photograph of a Mexican American woman, with a tree trunk in the background

Photograph of Manuela Garcia, 1886-1927. Autry Museum; P.32319

Manuela Garcia: A Woman of Many Talents

Resource Type
Digital Story
Grade Level:
3–5, 6–8
Discipline:
Social Studies, Environment
Topic:
Women, Latino Americans, Hispanic Heritage

Digital Story

Students will learn about Manuela Garcia, a dynamic, Mexican American woman from the late 19th century

  • exploring the topic through introductory questions   
  • analyzing objects from the Autry Museum using guiding questions 
  • engaging in hands-on activities 

Students will discover the ways in which Manuela Garcia was multi-talented as a writer and musician and explore her influence as an Angeleno and in the Mexican American community. As they analyze parts of her identity, students also have the opportunity to make connections to their own communities and identity. 

Standards    

CA HSS: HSS-4.4.9 

CA HSS: HSS-8.8.2 

CA VPA: Anchor Standard: 10: Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art: 4.VA:Cn10 

CA VPA: Anchor Standard: 6: Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work 6.VA:Pr6 


Teaching Tips for Different Learning Environments   

Whole Class In-Person Learning: Split students into groups based on the Manuela Garcia Digital Story sections: Manuela as an Angeleno, Writer, Musician and Contemporary Influence. Students read their section and complete the activity. Students present the information about Manuela to the class along with their own responses to the activity. 

Whole Class Distance Learning: Create breakout rooms for different aspects of the Manuela Garcia Digital Story (Manuela as an Angeleno, Writer, Musician and Contemporary Influence). Students read their section and complete the activity. Students come back to whole class to share what they learned and their own responses to the activity.  

Tech Fun: Flipgrid to record skits, dances, or storytelling; Scratch to code a story or an animation; Jamboard to draw or collage images; Google Docs for writing and sharing poems and stories.   


Associated Education Resources

Educational Programs at the Autry are sponsored by:

Dean and Laura Beresford · Molly and Neal Brockmeyer · Vince and Colleen Caballero · Capital Group · David F. Eisenberg · The Georgina-Fredrick Children's Foundation · Christy McAvoy · Marleen and Bruce Rognlien · Robert E. Ronus · Brenda and Gary Ruttenberg · The Steinmetz Foundation · Virginia F. Stevenson · Thelma Pearl Howard Foundation

Land Acknowledgment

The Autry Museum of the American West acknowledges the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples as the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar (the Los Angeles basin and So. Channel Islands). We recognize that the Autry Museum and its campuses are located on the traditional lands of Gabrielino/Tongva peoples and we pay our respects to the Honuukvetam (Ancestors), ‘Ahiihirom (Elders) and ‘Eyoohiinkem (our relatives/relations) past, present and emerging.

The Autry Museum in Griffith Park

4700 Western Heritage Way

Los Angeles, CA 90027-1462
Located northeast of downtown, across from the Los Angeles Zoo.
Map and Directions

Free parking for Autry visitors.


MUSEUM AND STORE HOURS
Tuesday–Friday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

DINING
Food Trucks are available on select days, contact us for details at 323.495.4252.
The cafe is temporarily closed until further notice.