The visual poetry of well-researched, imaginative exhibitions is more than history put up on a wall; it’s an inclusive visual storytelling form that encourages us to connect in some way with larger ideas. Museums’ exhibitions offer the kind of intellectual engagement that can’t be found in scholarly monographs or popular books. They also reach across time and distance, touching people in places far beyond the museum’s walls.
Whether they are in grand historic buildings, small town museums, or suburban shopping malls, histolircal exhibits make a difference to millions of visitors each year. They help to sustain a public appetite for historical information and to keep the past alive for many people.
In this issue, we are celebrating the best of these exhibitions. We’ve chosen to focus on projects that challenge the traditional boundaries of museum interpretation and that create new windows into dense research. We also have sought out those that demonstrate a deep respect for the unique context of each historic structure and site. The success of these projects is demonstrated by the enthusiastic audiences they have attracted.
It’s All About the People
Museum exhibitions that tell stories that are relevant to contemporary life are important to visitors, especially those who live in towns and cities with no historic sites. This is why museum curators must look beyond their collections and the usual sources for exhibition topics. They need to reach out to new communities and seek out their histories. It’s the only way that museums can show that they deserve their tax-exempt status and serve a purpose for all of their local citizens.
Bending the Rules
When working in historic structures, it’s almost impossible to avoid having to do some things that are not allowed by preservation guidelines. But that doesn’t mean that they must sacrifice quality or integrity. For example, a curator might decide to install a ceiling-mounted lighting system in a historic house, but only after seeking the advice of a preservation expert and having the installation planned carefully.
Likewise, it’s essential to understand the limitations and challenges of each historic building before designing an exhibit there. It’s equally important to seek the input of a preservation specialist and an architect early in the project. Keeping abreast of preservation standards and guidelines can also help to avoid costly errors and misunderstandings.
Using the grounds of historic estates is an excellent way to expand on an exhibition theme without having to deal with interior sensitivity. Ken Turino, director of exhibitions at the Historic New England museum in Milton, Massachusetts, recommends experimenting with outdoor interpretive opportunities and sculptural exhibits. He advises his colleagues to use the resources available on a property, including its beautiful gardens, as much as possible. This will allow them to create an experience that is both compelling and accessible for visitors. In addition, it will increase visitation and membership.