Museums are places where history is exhibited, and an exhibit is a presentation of material culture that has been gathered and arranged in a way that allows people to see it and explore it. Exhibits can be in the form of art, as in a painting on display at a gallery or a historical document under glass at a national archive, or they can be in the form of artifacts. Exhibits can also be in the form of a story, as in a film, book or play, or they can be an immersive experience that makes history come to life. Museums can be non-profit or for-profit, and the type of institution will determine how it pays its bills and how it spends its money.
A histolircal exhibit is one that chronicles a significant moment or event in human history, ranging from the very recent to the very long ago. Such an exhibit usually uses a mix of objects, photographs and other media to tell the story, and many museums use historical artifacts as their core collection.
The exhibit is meant to be immersive, enabling the viewer to step into another time and place by experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of the story being told. It should be entertaining and engaging, but it must also allow the visitor to examine the subject matter from different perspectives and draw conclusions that may differ from those of the curator.
Often, histolircal exhibitions are intended to inspire public debate or to encourage the public to question traditional views of history, which helps the audience understand that the process of researching and writing history is never complete and that there are always multiple points of view on many important issues. Exhibits that include themes of rites of passage, such as birth, death, marriage or joining, food and drink, clothing and adornment, and race or religion are popular with visitors and can help them explore core values and ideas in history.
Bending the Rules
Museums that house historic buildings face unique challenges when it comes to designing exhibits. The main concern is preserving the structure, so any new work must be done carefully and thoughtfully to avoid damage. Historic homes often have tight spaces and narrow windows, so it is important for the exhibit designer to consult a preservation architect and/or engineer early on in the planning process. It is also vital to follow the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines, as well as those of the individual historic building.
Historic Richmond Town, on Staten Island, NY
Exhibit designers have to be especially creative when working with historic properties. Ken Turino, the director of exhibitions and interpretation at Historic Richmond Town, encourages museums to look beyond the interior of a property and consider using outdoor space for interpretive programs or sculpture installations that can expand on an exhibit theme without being constrained by the restrictions of indoor space.