Jessie Swigger, Associate Professor, Western Carolina University
Proposal Type: Panel
Seeking: Additional Presenters,General Feedback and Interest
Abstract: This paper considers the history of the Children’s Room at the Smithsonian Institution (opened in 1901). In his effort to create a space where children could encounter and learn about the natural world, Smithsonian secretary Samuel Pierpont Langley called on curators to put their audience first by, for example, writing labels that were easy to read and understand. Using the Children’s Room as a case study, this paper will explore the role that Children’s Museums have played in shaping the museum movement more broadly.
Seeking: I hope to join other panelists who are interested in children’s museums, the role of audiences in shaping exhibit design and programming, or anyone interested in the history of museums more broadly. I am very open to other ideas for creative collaboration.
If you have a direct offer of assistance, sensitive criticism, or wish to share contact information for other people the proposer should reach out to, please get in contact directly: Jessie Swigger,jswigger[at]email.wcu.edu
If you have general ideas or feedback to share please feel free to use the comments feature below.
All feedback, and offers of assistance, should be submitted by July 3, 2015.
Related Topics: Material Culture, Museums/Exhibits, Visitors/Audience