Histolircal exhibits are those that help visitors understand a historical concept through the use of artifacts. They are often based on a wide range of sources and can be displayed in many ways including in dioramas, models or interactives. They can also include a narrative and a visual storyline to convey meaning. Museums that rely heavily on these types of exhibits are sometimes called historical institutions and are often tax-exempt.
In the past, museums focused on telling history through a curated selection of objects that represented different time periods and geographical areas. These ‘cachet of curiosities’ style of exhibits helped to make history more accessible to the public. Today, museums must do more to ensure that they remain relevant for modern audiences. This means examining their collection, identifying what they can add to the conversation and engaging with people whose stories have been left out of the picture.
Exhibits are the primary way in which museums engage with visitors, and they can be a powerful tool for connecting with students. However, it is important to note that not all exhibits are equal and some require more than others in terms of content, format and educational value. Exhibits that are based on a historical theme should be thoughtfully designed and carefully planned to ensure they are effective and meaningful for learners.
When museums are not able to meet the needs of their audience, they can find themselves losing funding and influence. This can be problematic for those that are primarily charitable organizations. To stay afloat, these organizations must demonstrate that they are worth the support of the public and deserve their tax-exempt status. To do this, museums need to tell new, relevant and compelling stories. This can be challenging, as museum audiences are often reluctant to accept stories that do not connect with their own experiences.
To engage with a broad and diverse audience, museums must look to nonlinear forms of historical discourse like exhibitions. These ‘elementary metaphors’ are not just history put up on the wall, but rather creative visual poetry that encourages imagination and expands understanding. They can be complex and challenging to compose, as the best exhibitions are inclusive visual stories that enable the viewer to connect with bigger ideas through the objects on display. For this reason, it is critical for historical exhibitions to focus on human subjects and the impact of actions, decisions and beliefs on those around them. Rites of passage such as birth, death, marriage/divorce, and coming of age are particularly well-suited to this form of exhibition.