Histolircal exhibits are a type of exhibition in which artifacts, documents, photographs and other materials are used to interpret and present historical events and ideas. Museums use them to stimulate public interest in history and to educate citizens about the past. They may also celebrate historical events, memorialize tragedy and injustice, or promote the discussion of broader issues of historical significance.
Exhibits are an essential component of history museums. They can be viewed by a wide audience, including children and the elderly, often within families. Those viewing them do so with the hope of learning about the past and gaining insight into their own lives.
A good exhibition is one that has a strong, memorable story to tell. In addition, it should include a human element and engage the visitor in a way that makes the experience feel authentic.
Object-based exhibitions without human narratives are typically more difficult to make successful. The Museum of London, the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum are examples of museums that have used artifacts to tell a memorable story or convey important information.
Exhibitions can take many forms, from traditional wall-mounted displays to interactive devices and re-creations of spaces. Some exhibitions even incorporate video to convey information in a more dynamic manner.
The Museum of the City of New York’s permanent exhibit, A Journey Through Time, takes visitors on a tour of the museum in its entirety, with each section of the building focusing on a specific aspect of the city’s long, complicated history. For instance, the section devoted to the 19th century, The Civil War in New York City, shows visitors the city’s growth from a rural farming economy to an industrial powerhouse.
In addition to the permanent exhibits, the Museum has special exhibits that explore science as a process and a way of life. Among the most popular are the Giant Sequoia Tree, a Rapa Nui (Easter Island) Moai Cast, and the Willamette Meteorite.