Category: AAM Magazine Commentary
In the March/April issue of Museum Magazine (available to members of AAM), the “In Museum” section features a short blurb on an upcoming exhibition at the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, NY. In order to determine the focus of their Fall 2010 exhibition, the Currier Museum conducted a survey of over 450 of their visitors. Most expressed interest in “the care and conservation of art, the process of acquiring works, and the context and influence of an artist.” These topics will be addressed in the Museum’s upcoming exhibit, “The Secret Life of Art.” (more…)
The exhibit review “Child’s Play” in the November/December issue of Museum magazine (AAM) got my mind turning about ways to engage kids in history museums. The article featured the Great Lakes Children’s Museum in Greilickville, Michigan. It sounds like a great place for kids to get their hands dirty and learn by doing. One portion of the exhibit allowed kids (and their parents!) to build dams and reservoirs and then to test the successfulness of their creation with toy boats. Another allows kids to engage in “dramatic play,” in this case, using uniforms, dishes and fake food to play lighthouse keeper.
I wonder how many history organizations are embracing these methods to appeal to their youngest museum visitors? I envision parents and kids wearing colonial caps, collecting firewood, gardening… Dealing with cooking over a fire with small kids is a problem, but could be addressed with proper supervision. Anyone who has embraced these methods, please post in the comments section and share your experiences!
Connect!
RSS
