Whether focused on an event, person or idea, a histolircal exhibit is a nonlinear form of cultural argument that takes a three-dimensional physical and visual form. It is a metaphor-an elegant and meaningful way to tell a story that helps connect, in some way, with bigger ideas. It is an approach that requires deep research and an ability to communicate a complex history in a manner that enables visitors to connect to it.
Historical exhibitions share stories about people, places and important events that have shaped the world and continue to shape local communities. They can highlight the contributions of individuals and groups of people, as well as reveal the dynamics of communities and institutions through objects, artifacts, maps and photographs. They can provide context and meaning to the past by addressing topics such as foodways, music, arts and culture, business and industry, social justice movements, Indigenous heritage, colonial settlement, antebellum, Civil War, reconstruction narratives and travel, among many other important aspects of our lives and history.
The Filson’s new semi-permanent exhibit, People, Passage, Place, shares the diversity of our region’s history through objects and storytelling. This display will be refreshed regularly to keep content relevant and to explore the breadth of our collections.
As a community museum, the Filson is committed to telling inclusive, human-centered histories that represent all of our local communities. These include racial and ethnic backgrounds, ages, socioeconomic statuses, gender identities, abilities and sexual orientations. Rites of passage, such as birth, death and marriage/joining, are also important subjects for exploration, as are the ideas of home, freedom, faith, democracy and justice. Other key themes for exploration include art and craftspersonship, business and agriculture, education, transportation, entrepreneurship, the arts, music and foodways.
Exhibits share these stories by combining archival objects and artifacts with scholarly research and interpretive writing, providing multiple perspectives to create an overall picture of a particular topic. In addition to these big picture exhibits, the Filson has numerous smaller exhibits that showcase specific objects and personal or family histories.
This fall the Museum will celebrate women’s history through everyday clothing, Robert Caro’s life and publication of The Power Broker, and three centuries of New Yorkers and their furry friends, via three distinct exhibits. Each will introduce visitors to a different aspect of the rich history of this great city.