Historical exhibits are a great way to help people learn about history. They may spark curiosity, broaden the understanding of a particular subject, and encourage discussion about the content of the exhibition. Museums often use exhibits to memorialize events, such as the Holocaust. However, historical exhibits are also used to engage people who may not otherwise have an outlet for sharing their stories. As a result, they are becoming increasingly common in the United States.
The proliferation of historical exhibits in the United States has been influenced by a number of factors, including the national dialogue on identity and recent social and economic trends. A number of local museums have been established, and many others have emerged through the marketability of their local heritage. In addition, the increased importance of the market for local heritage has created a new niche for historical exhibits.
Among the most notable historical exhibits are those that explore specific topics, such as the plight of Native Americans, or the home front during World War II. These displays are usually place-based, which means that they explore how the war affected various locations in the country, including the home front.
Some of the best exhibitions are visually compelling and inclusive, which means that they allow for the inclusion of a variety of perspectives. In addition, they enable viewers to place themselves in the specific time period. This makes it easier to understand how the events in history affected the people around them.
One of the most memorable historical exhibitions, for example, is the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. It uses a large variety of artifacts to tell its story. Its exhibits include the National Prohibition Act Prescription Blank, which was used to prescribe alcohol, and the Special Tax Stamp, which was required for pharmacists to display.
Another museum that focuses on a specific topic, but not on a particular time period, is the Ska*nonh Museum. Part of the museum is dedicated to the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Heritage Center, which includes the Saint Marie Mission Site Museum. Other exhibits explore topics such as the Great Law of Peace, European contact, and creation.
Another notable historical exhibit is History Makers. This two-part series at the Buffalo History Museum examines the lives of a dozen historical figures from the 18th and 19th centuries. Subjects include Glenn Curtiss, William Wells Brown, Winifred Stanley, John Albright, and more. By examining objects that enlightened their stories, the exhibit enables viewers to experience history through a more holistic lens.
The Third County Courthouse on Staten Island, NY is a focal point of the community’s civic life. Visitors can view the history of the building, its architecture, and its functions. Several noteworthy trials have occurred in the building, and the courthouse is the center of the political process in the county.
Similarly, the National Constitution Center in Washington, DC is a museum that covers the complexities of the American political system. Through its historical exhibits, the NCC arouses national consciousness and serves as a resource for researchers and students.