Each year, hundreds of museum exhibitions interpret history for millions of visitors. These exhibits are shaped, crafted, and reshaped by the latest in historical scholarship. They are a unique form of cultural argument. They convey a complex web of ideas in an immersive three-dimensional presentation. Museums that specialize in particular aspects of history may be found at the local, regional, or national level. Many of these museums have broad appeal. They attract large numbers of visitors, while at the same time bringing together a diverse and often politically charged audience. Museums can be found throughout the world and in every type of culture.
Museums exist to educate, entertain, and inspire their audiences. They must make their missions relevant to contemporary life and demonstrate that they deserve their tax-exempt status. This is done by examining new sources, developing innovative techniques of exhibitry, and reaching out to communities that are traditionally underserved by museum experiences.
While many historical exhibitions are complex, they also must be accessible to a wide range of visitors. This is why it is important that the intellectual underpinnings of exhibitions be made clear to museum audiences. It is also essential that museums not hide the fact that they have opinions and a point of view about how history should be presented.
The purpose of this column is to provide an outlet for discussion about these issues. While the column will occasionally examine noted accomplishments by individuals or institutions, innovative programs, and significant collecting initiatives, it will primarily focus on exhibition reviews.
Exhibits communicate a host of information about the past, including research findings, socio-political messages, and artistic interpretation. They can create drama, reveal a theme, or commemorate events in an engaging way that makes them more than just history put up on the wall. Museum exhibitions can be powerful visual poetry, metaphors, and imagination.
The Minnesota Historical Society’s Traveling Exhibit Program provides an opportunity to visit the past without leaving town. The program develops and loans historical content to local historic sites, libraries, schools, and other organizations throughout the state. Each exhibit contains freestanding displays and audiovisual and interactive components, and is accompanied by educational and reference materials. Interested in hosting an MNHS Traveling Exhibit? Click here to review host guidelines and instructions.