Finding History Where You Least Expect It
Site-Based Strategies for Teaching about the Past
Edited by Jill M. Gradwell, Kathryn H. Leacock
Publication date:
21 April 2020Length of book:
194 pagesPublisher
American Alliance Of MuseumsISBN-13: 9781538140871
Museums and cultural institutions of all sizes and budgets are striving to remain relevant in an ever-changing landscape. This volume looks at organizations that have challenged the preconceived notions about their site and its mission by working to break into new markets and develop unexpected programs for diverse and previously untapped audiences. To address this challenge, several western New York sites developed new programs to impact their visitor engagement. History Where You Least Expect It! Site-based Strategies for Teaching about the Past features programs like learning from gingerbread, playing vintage games, developing a theatrical production from places like science museums, archives, historic houses, nature centers, and cemeteries to illustrate how history can be conveyed in the most unlikely ways.
While other works exist that have examined educational pedagogy and programming according to museum type, History Where You Least Expect It! Site-based Strategies for Teaching about the Past explores history through the lens of a specific program. This volume highlights how museum programming, object-based learning, and site-specific education can impact learning for people of all ages. In each chapter, the reader is walked through the development, implementation, and successes of the organization’s programs, allowing practitioners the ability to learn from the work of others in order to build a successful program for themselves. While the featured institutions are regionally linked, the overarching goal of experiencing History Where You Least Expect It! can be replicated across the globe.
While other works exist that have examined educational pedagogy and programming according to museum type, History Where You Least Expect It! Site-based Strategies for Teaching about the Past explores history through the lens of a specific program. This volume highlights how museum programming, object-based learning, and site-specific education can impact learning for people of all ages. In each chapter, the reader is walked through the development, implementation, and successes of the organization’s programs, allowing practitioners the ability to learn from the work of others in order to build a successful program for themselves. While the featured institutions are regionally linked, the overarching goal of experiencing History Where You Least Expect It! can be replicated across the globe.
This book offers creative, replicable ideas for museums—including small museums—looking to leave those age-old ways of doing things behind. Not only does it underscore the importance of community engagement, partnerships, and audience focus but it also reveals the rich tapestry of local history that one region can offer.