Unsung Heroes
Unsung Heroes are role models, largely unrecognized by society, who demonstrated extraordinary heroic traits and actions in service to others and made a positive and profound impact on the course of history. Students can explore interactive tools such as the Directory, Timeline, Pictographs, and Role Models, which highlight diverse stories of courage and impact and help guide the selection of a hero to honor through an original artwork.
Discover Inspiring Stories from History
ARTEFFECT works with educators and students to spotlight over 100 diverse Unsung Heroes from its expanding directory—spanning from ancient to contemporary times and across various categories including civil rights and social justice, wartime, environmentalism, medicine, and STEAM.
Since 2007, the stories of these individuals and their contributions to society have been brought to light through the LMC Discovery Award, with its unique approach to project-based learning that emphasizes primary research and storytelling. Through ARTEFFECT and the LMC Discovery Award, students develop compelling projects in the visual and performing arts and digital multimedia that champion the stories of these Unsung Heroes and honor their altruism, while building skills in research, critical inquiry, and creativity.
Unsung Heroes as Role Models
Unsung Heroes offer invaluable lessons as role models. They demonstrated heroic traits and actions, achieved new visions, and championed altruistic values. Educators and students consider and interpret UnsungHeroes as role models in deep and engaging ways. Teaching and learning with these concepts foster creative storytelling, critical inquiry, historical awareness, and research skills.
NOMINATE UNSUNG HERO
The Unsung Heroes Directory at the Lowell Milken Center is ever expanding. It includes diverse individuals—spanning from ancient to contemporary times and across all fields of endeavor. Unsung Heroes meet these criteria:
- The individual did their primary work over 20 years ago.
- The individual demonstrated extraordinary heroic acts in service to others that made a positive and profound impact on the course of history.
- The individual’s contributions are largely unrecognized by society.
Submit your nomination for an Unsung Hero using the online form:
Interact
Students can explore Unsung Heroes through interactive tools below: the Timeline, which highlights eras and movements across history; Role Models, an interactive pathway that helps students connect with heroes who embody traits they admire; and Pictographs, a visual way to discover stories through imagery.
