Connecting Kids to History with Museum Exhibitions

by D. Lynn McRainey (Editor), John Russick (Editor)

Kids have profound and important relationships to the past, but they don't experience history in the same way as adults. For museum professionals and everyone involved in informal history education and exhibition design, this book is the essential new guide to creating meaningful and memorable connections to the past for children. This vital museum audience possesses many of the same dynamic qualities as trained historian―curiosity, inquiry, empathy for the human experience―yet traditional history exhibitions tend to focus on passive looking in the galleries, giving priority to relaying information through words. D. Lynn McRainey and John Russick bring together top museum professionals to present state-of-the-art research and practice that respects and incorporates kids' developmental stages and learning preferences and the specific ways in which kids connect to history. They provide concrete tools for audience research and evaluation; exhibition development and design; and working with kids as "creative consultants." The only book to focus comprehensively on history exhibits for kids, Connecting Kids to History With Museum Exhibitions shows how to enhance the experiences of a vitally important but frequently the least understood museum audience.

Genres: Museums

328 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, I know I'm not alone! At least regarding my soapbox about history museums not being kid-friendly. . .
A collection of essays from educators, exhibit designers and the like who are thinking about kids when they think about exhibits. Some great data on why we should be thinking about kids at history museums (and that there's a lot more that little ones understand than we give credit). A book that I can share with co-workers as we remake the museum.

Like all essay collections, some essays are better than others. But I am so, so, so glad that this book exists. I've already put it to use and will be referring to it often.

(And how nerdy is it of me to be super excited that quite a few of the authors will be at a Texas conference this fall? Sigh. I love my job.)

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would be a good book to pick up when you are putting together a museum exhibit that needs to be good for kids and you want specific tips. I had a hard time just sitting down and reading this. I thought I could use some information from it for my museums class this semester, but it really didn't work well for that. (but, to be fair, this was at least in part due to the fact that it quoted from other books I already read for the same class, so I knew some of this stuff already).