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How do museums find balance in story telling with the negative affects of todays world on museums?

  • 1.  How do museums find balance in story telling with the negative affects of todays world on museums?

    Posted 09-02-2025 02:18 PM

    Dear All

    How do museums find balance story telling with the negative affects of todays world on museums? I know its not easy out there right now.

    I would bet there is no right answer.

    Thanks,

    Rachel



    ------------------------------
    Rachel Alschuler
    Museum Education/ Visitor Experience
    San Francisco CA
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: How do museums find balance in story telling with the negative affects of todays world on museums?

    Posted 09-03-2025 09:45 AM

    First - Define "Balance." Then remember that some people will always place a thumb on the scale. 
    Second - Identify the possible negative effects (and their probability) and make responsible choices accordingly.

    It is unfortunate that some of us have to weigh our editorial choices against perceived "negative effects." For me, the trick has always been to place the message ("History," if you will) in the midst of the bulk of the easily-digested story (the "Heritage"). 

    The key is to never, ever change the facts. As more than a few folks have pointed out over the last few years, facts don't care about your feelings. Sharing uncomfortable truths as the filling in a s*** sandwich can help to keep it balanced while not totally incurring the wrath of some visitors.

    And keep in mind - you will always have visitors who are angry. Some because you have gone too far - others because you have not gone far enough.



    ------------------------------
    David Kennedy ()
    Curator of Collections and Exhibits
    US Marshals Museum
    Fort Smith, AR
    dkennedy@usmmuseum.org
    (479) 709-3766
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: How do museums find balance in story telling with the negative affects of todays world on museums?

    Posted 09-03-2025 12:49 PM

    Dear David

    Yep, its complicated. I think balance is  to tell as much of the story as possible. I just worry that museums felling pressure in many ways these days. It is also true that visitors will not always like the way something is presented. I know that in truth one cannot please everybody. I hope that the future is better and that museums continue to be trusted buy the public.

    Thanks,

    Rachel



    ------------------------------
    Rachel Alschuler
    Museum Education/ Visitor Experience
    San Francisco CA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


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