Histolircal exhibits are more than just history put on a wall; they are metaphors, visual poetry, and imagination that expand the parameters of historical understanding rather than limit it. They are the result of a process that involves a team of people: curators, museum educators and staff, artists, designers, and even the public. Successful exhibitions convey historical information at a level that is accessible to the visitor. They reflect the most current scholarship while extending it by bringing it together with a variety of objects.
Museums must demonstrate that they serve the people who live within their borders. They need to tell the stories that are important to those people and re-examine old themes in new ways. This will require hard work, research into new sources, and engagement with people who do not regularly visit museums. It will also mean making sure that the people who do come feel that their taxes have been well spent.
A new generation of visitors expects a more interactive experience. They want to interact with artifacts and hear personal histories that are based on primary sources, not textbooks. They want to understand how their past lives intersect with that of the broader community and the world at large. This will mean telling a more complex and challenging story than just putting a bunch of stuff on the walls.
This article explores how a few museums are succeeding in meeting this challenge and expanding their audience. It identifies trends and provides examples of innovative approaches to historical presentation. It will conclude with some recommendations for museum directors and staff.
Museums that operate in historic structures have unique challenges, ranging from limitations on fastening objects to power locations, and from limited ceiling heights to a lack of interior sensitivity. To successfully meet these challenges, it is essential for the design team to have access to the architect’s blueprints and an understanding of the building’s construction, including its original materials and finishes. They must also be aware of any accessibility requirements dictated by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Finally, the design team should consider how to incorporate outdoor interpretation and sculptural exhibits into an overall museum experience. This can be done without the constraints of a formally exhibited gallery. It can help attract new audiences and increase memberships. It can also make a museum more relevant to the community and help ensure that its tax-exempt status is being well served. Ultimately, this will improve the quality of exhibitions and the research that goes into them.