We have had several discussions here at the Tempe Historical Museum
about how to handle acknowledgements or credits for our changing
exhibits.  In the past, we have only acknowledged guest curators,
citizen advisory committees, consultants and corporate sponsors
but not the museum staff or volunteers who have had a role in producing
the exhibits.

We decided to list the exhibit curator's name recently because we have
found that visitors often have questions about the content of the exhibit
and don't know to whom they should address these questions.  The idea was
simply to give a kind of citation or statment of authorship, not to credit
the curator per se.

Simply putting up on the wall "curated by" with the exhibit curator's name
is not satisfactory for a couple of reasons.  First, the public does not
really understand what a curator does (and I might add, neither do most
museum professionals really have a handle on it).  The term "curator" is
used out of convention but it has come to mean so many things, both within
and between institutions, that it almost means nothing anymore.  Second,
this statement creates the impression that only one individual is responsible
for the exhibit which is patently false.  It is a team effort in which
everyone has a significant role to play.

How have other museums handled this issue?  Do you list staff and/or
volunteer credits?  How do you direct visitor comments and questions, or
let them know who is accountable for the content (facts, interpretive
statements, selection of artifacts, etc.) that they see in the exhibit?

Please reply to me or the list.  I'd be interested to read how you all
have been able (or not been able) to resolve this issue.


Amy A. Douglass
Tempe Historical Museum
[log in to unmask]