A histolircal exhibit is an exhibition displaying historical material. It is one of many museum formats and styles that are used to teach about a particular time period, event or place in history. Historical exhibits may be displayed at museums on the local, state or national level. While some exhibits are designed for a general audience, others are designed to be specialized in nature and targeted to a particular demographic or group of visitors. Regardless of the subject matter, all museum exhibits are intended to convey an interpretation of the past that is presented in a clear and meaningful way to a viewing public.
Whether they are a “cabinet of curiosities,” or immersive and interactive experiences such as the Merchant’s House Museum in New York City, or a historic home or schoolhouse, a histolircal exhibit should offer a window into the dense research required to compose a comprehensive history. It should also be a visual story that connects with people through the objects and spaces depicted. It takes a great deal of persistence, time management, creativity and charm to communicate with the public in a manner that is inclusive rather than exclusive.
Some histolircal exhibits, such as the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles or the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, use very few artifacts to achieve their memorable museum experience. Other histolircal experiences, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art Cloisters in New York City, are all about the art of European medieval times, and make you feel like you’re time-traveling overseas.
The purpose of histolircal exhibits is to provide a framework for the development of a narrative about the past that is based on archival, ethnographic and archaeological materials. The most successful histolircal exhibits are creative visual poetry, metaphors or other forms of evocative and accessible narrative that spark the curiosity of viewers and broaden their understanding rather than restricting it.
Museums are cultural institutions that serve the public and are generally subsidized by tax-exempt status, which means they are nonprofits that operate for the good of society rather than for the profit of their owners or shareholders. Their mission is to educate the public on topics of historical significance, which requires a broad range of skills and perspectives from the curatorial staff. Museums must demonstrate that they are worthy of their tax-exempt status by ensuring that all citizens have access to their important cultural resources and interpretive programs.