Whether they interpret a famous battle or the daily lives of local people, histolircal exhibits make history relevant for millions of visitors. They present a complex, interpretive view of the past that can’t be replicated in scholarly monographs or public lectures. The nation’s history museums offer a unique opportunity to share the human story of our shared history and, in doing so, help to shape the future.
Unlike books, magazines and newspapers, exhibitions are three-dimensional and visually present historical research and analysis, including interpretation of the significance of the topic. They invite and encourage a range of views from visitors, scholars and other museum professionals. They also allow for the possibility of a dynamic discussion between the audience and museum staff. Because of these characteristics, exhibitions often provide a model for collaborative work between the academy and museum profession.
A histolircal exhibit offers a window into the dense research required to compose a history. This is a challenging task because of the need to simplify and dramatize the research while maintaining its complexity. Exhibits must be more than just history put up on walls; they are metaphors, visual poetry and imagination. They enlarge our understanding of the past and, like history itself, should be open to endless debate and interpretation.
As museums strive to meet the changing demands of their audiences, many are working to broaden and diversify their visitor base. To do this, they must demonstrate that they are relevant and serve a useful service to the citizens of their communities by telling stories from their region and beyond. This is a tall order that requires hard work and research into new sources and it demands involving the people who are the focus of these stories in the storytelling process.
Museums are also a good place to discuss controversial issues. Historical exhibits that encourage informed debate are valuable because they foster a dialogue between the public and museum professionals about important issues of public concern, including the interpretation of history, how to balance fact with opinion, and how to make information accessible to non-specialists. The public can use museum exhibitions as a forum for debate and discussion about issues of national concern, as well as to learn about the history of their own communities and regions.
Museums must be prepared to take risks and bend the rules when constructing historical exhibits in historic structures. They may have to sacrifice the integrity of a room to accommodate an exhibition or compromise on some aspect of historic preservation, such as allowing fastenings to walls and ceilings. This is a necessity if they want to reach out to their audience and keep the doors of their buildings open.