My two most recent posts have suggested that museums may have techniques at their disposal that help transform thinking, in particular fostering critical thinking and tolerance. Since sharing those posts, I have come across articles and video clips that I think further the argument, and may even help museums train staff. Demonstrations of how to facilitate andContinue reading “Museums and political thought: A follow-up”
Author Archives: Rebecca Shulman
How do museums help to create a better world?
Because we live in a culture in which we primarily receive information written and shared by those who think just like us, I have spent the last two weeks immersed in a flood of media that deepens my despair at the world this election has cast us in to. Some day, it will be the jobContinue reading “How do museums help to create a better world?”
What responsibility do museums have for shaping the public’s relationship with facts?
In March I had a conversation with an insightful colleague, Amy Boyle, an educator at the Guggenheim Museum. Amy suggested that open-ended interpretation might be problematic in a climate in which political discourse disregards facts, and candidates and supporters make up their own truths. I’m not sure I’ve captured the challenges and opportunities offered by thisContinue reading “What responsibility do museums have for shaping the public’s relationship with facts?”
What is Museum Disruption?
This post is the result of a conversation with Ethan Angelica from Museum Hack, who is a Tour Guide & also responsible for VIP Partnerships. Ethan Angelica, Tour Guide at Museum Hack [HD] from Museum Hack on Vimeo. My conversations with Ethan from Museum Hack led to a number of questions about how they areContinue reading “What is Museum Disruption?”
What is an “Interpreter in Residence?” Interview with Michael Christiano
Michael Christiano is the Interim Senior Director of Museum Programs at the Smart Museum of Art at the University of Chicago. In this role he develops strategies and programs that reflect on the nature of the Museum’s institutional practice, with a particular focus on education, interpretation, engagement, hospitality, installation strategy, and other key issues. When visiting the SmartContinue reading “What is an “Interpreter in Residence?” Interview with Michael Christiano”
How do you get the word out?
This week, I am thinking about marketing museum programs. Museums generally have a variety of programs to market, often to a range of audiences. And our success varies: At the PlayHouse we have some workshops that are full, and others we have to cancel due to low registration. When I worked at The Noguchi Museum, we had some lecturesContinue reading “How do you get the word out?”
How can a children’s museum impact parenting?
This guest post is adapted from a conversation with Kristin Vannatta, Operations Manager at the Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum. A few weeks ago Kristin told me, “Working at the PlayHouse has changed the ways I play with my son.” I asked her to tell me more, and the below is an edited version of herContinue reading “How can a children’s museum impact parenting?”
What if our school programs didn’t align with curriculum standards?
This guest post is by Claudia Ocello, President & CEO of Museum Partners Consulting, LLC. Claudia has over 25 years’ experience in museums working on exhibitions, education programs, accessibility and evaluation projects. In 2008, Claudia was honored with the Award for Excellence in Practice from the Education Committee of the American Alliance of Museums (2008) and the New Jersey Association ofContinue reading “What if our school programs didn’t align with curriculum standards?”
What are your best maker-based activities?
Like many children’s museums, the Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum has a “maker” exhibit, where children can use tools (hammers, saws, drills, glue guns, etc) to make things. As I watch the Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum educators develop prompts and activities for this area, I wonder if we are re-inventing the wheel. So many museums areContinue reading “What are your best maker-based activities?”
How can museums contribute to dialogue about social justice when we are exemplars of segregation?
At the PlayHouse last weekend we celebrated Eid-al-Fitr — the Muslim holiday marking the end of Ramadan — as part of our Celebrate Peoria series. One visitor approached the manager on duty that day, and asked her if we would be celebrating Christmas. When she told him that we do not have plans to do so, heContinue reading “How can museums contribute to dialogue about social justice when we are exemplars of segregation?”
Museum Questions 