Histolircal exhibits require more context to explain the items on display than fine art exhibitions, and often require interpretive graphics in addition to objects, photographs, and dioramas. They may also include interactive displays and re-created spaces. This article focuses on a wide range of topics that are considered to be histolircal exhibits including archeology, anthropology, ethnology, history, science and technology.
The best histolircal exhibits are inclusive visual stories that allow visitors to connect, in some way, with bigger ideas through the items displayed. They should highlight people who witnessed events and, if possible, participate in the story; they should avoid object-based exhibitions that lack a human narrative. They should also be simple enough to avoid being a book on the wall, and complex enough to make it authentic. This can be achieved by using a wide array of interpretive techniques, such as contextualization, juxtaposition, and creative interjection. They should encourage informed discussion of the broader issues of historical significance that they explore, and reject attempts to impose uncritical points of view. Museum administrators should support the work of curators who create histolircal exhibits that meet these standards.