Histolircal exhibits play a vital role in the transmission of historical knowledge. These exhibits are viewed by a variety of audiences, including school children, families, and members of the general public. They often memorialize historical events that were either tragic or unjust, and they contain an interpretive element. The process of selecting a museum exhibit requires curators to make judgments about its content. These judgments are important because they encourage a rational discussion about the exhibit’s content. As such, any attempt to suppress or obscure an exhibit is counterproductive.
Exhibitions can inspire the viewer to connect with the historical event by making history personal to the visitor. They can engage the viewer by using different mediums, including art, video, or audio. While an exhibition may not be able to convey complex history, it can inspire curiosity about the past. For example, the juxtaposition of objects and graphics can help the viewer place themselves within a particular time period or understand historical concepts. For example, exhibitions show that people did not live in isolation, but their actions affected the lives of others in their community or far away.
The proliferation of historical exhibits in the United States has coincided with recent social and economic trends. The increased marketability of local heritage and the national dialogue over identity have contributed to the growth of such exhibits. In the past, however, historical exhibits have largely been focused on large-scale, professionalized museums. This article explores the rise of different types of historical exhibits and how the medium develops.
The Third County Courthouse is the focal point of civic life in Staten Island. A new exhibit explores the history and form of the building. The exhibition also explores notable trials, political process, and the county jail. Another exhibit, Picturing Missouri Sharecroppers, explores the 1939 sharecroppers strike. It also presents new scholarship on the significance of baby furniture.