The term “histolircal exhibit” refers to a museum display that is focused on the history of a particular place, time period or culture. These kinds of exhibits are designed to help people gain a better understanding and appreciation for their own local and national heritage and how it connects with other cultures. Often, histolircal exhibits also serve to inspire and motivate people to take action on important issues and contribute to the well being of their communities.
There are many different types of histolircal exhibits, ranging from the classic Cabinet of Curiosities style to more modern blockbuster exhibitions. Some museums specialize in a certain area of historical study and concentrate on making the most compelling displays and educational programs available to the public. Other museums focus on a broad range of historic topics and make an effort to appeal to as many visitors as possible.
The best histolircal exhibits use a mix of objects, graphics, and photographs to tell an inclusive visual story. They should be creative, not merely history put up on walls, and they should encourage the viewer to think for themselves rather than simply accepting information fed to them.
Historians know that the process of creating an exhibit involves a complex series of decisions and choices. This is particularly true when the topic being studied is a sensitive one. For example, a museum could exhibit artifacts from the infamous Tutankhamun tomb, but there are ethical questions that should be considered before doing so.
A good museum display will provide a window into the dense research that went into composing the exhibition, but it should not be overly academic or overly technical. Instead, the display should be a visual drama that draws viewers in, and it should include human stories that give context to the larger topic.
Some museums have no artifacts at all, but still manage to create memorable and engaging experiences for their audiences. The Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles and the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia are examples of this type of museum experience.
In addition to its permanent and traveling exhibits, the VMHC frequently collaborates with other organizations and institutions in order to showcase important local and regional histories. These partnerships offer a variety of perspectives on the world’s past and demonstrate how museums can work together to form a more inclusive, diverse public memory in our current polarized society.
For more information about the VMHC’s partnership projects, visit our Partners page. VMHC offers a variety of traveling exhibits, each of which can be brought to your institution by visiting our Traveling Exhibits page. If you are interested in hosting a traveling exhibit, please visit our Applications guidelines and instructions page to review the application process.