History museum exhibits have a significant role in transmitting historical knowledge. They often attract diverse audiences, including family groups, and memorialize tragedies or injustices. Museum exhibits also have a significant interpretive component, which implies that certain judgments about cause and effect were made during the creation process. This may encourage informed discussion of the exhibit’s content, and attempts to suppress or control it are inimical to rational and open debate.
A good historical exhibition involves creative visual storytelling. More than just history on a wall, a good exhibition is a piece of visual poetry that engages the audience and inspires further learning. The juxtaposition of graphics and objects helps viewers to situate themselves within a particular time period. The narratives help visitors connect with broader ideas by helping them connect to personal experiences and to those of distant cultures. This is especially important in contemporary history museums.
A successful history museum exhibit should demonstrate relevance to the state, community, or country. It should present a clear idea in a coherent way, use the museum’s collections effectively, and be designed so that visitors can understand its purpose. It should also be presented in a safe, appropriate environment. Museums should include a nomination form in order to be considered for an award. These submission forms should be filled out in full, and the winner will be notified of the nomination by mid-October.