These Vans were made for walking. Madelyn Braun bought these shoes at the beginning of her college journey in 2022. Since then, they have travelled all around Cincinnati, accompanying her to class, to her first campus activities during Welcome Week her freshman year, and spending time with friends. They have been to Spain on a study abroad trip, exploring La Alhambra, examining art in El Prado, on a walking tour of Granada and through the streets of Madrid at night. These shoes are part of her memories and major events in Madelyn’s life. Shoes walk with us through every moment and witness everything we go through. Each scratch and tear are proof of life and experience.
Listen to Madelyn’s story in her own words:
This object is part of the “Expanding Worldview” section of the Artifacts of Experience exhibition designed by University of Cincinnati students in the “Introduction to Public History” course in 2023.
We encourage you to explore the other objects in our collection.
Transcript
Madelyn Braun: I chose my object because I’ve had or I bought this pair of shoes specifically to come to college with. And since I’ve bought them, they have literally attended every single college event with me, whether it be like walking to class, or going doing any social events, I am wearing those shoes. And then I also wore them to Spain last year on my study abroad tour. So, they’ve been International. So, I just I think it’s cool that they’ve been so many places.