Susan-  I appreciate your comments and I agree with you.  I was not saying
that authentic and real historical places, homes, or buildings could not be
 positive experiences or fun. (The gist of the conversation thread was a
bit narrower than the issues you brought up) Nevertheless, I believe
learning can be fun.  I was referring to commercial enterprizes that use
history as a veneer for respectibility or gain, yet do not contribute to an
accurate overall historical understanding or  context.  Anyone can
experience anything- the question is - what was taught and learned.  How
something is accomplished is important also.
Arlyn
----------
From:   Susan M. Ward[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
Sent:   Thursday, August 14, 1997 8:37 AM
To:     [log in to unmask]
Subject:        museum experience

>>Arlyn Danielson  wrote:
It would not be accurate to characterize Mount Vernon, Monticello, or
Louisiana plantation homes as merely an historical "experience."  I
understand what you mean by that, however, these are actual homes with
genuine artifacts in them.  They are part of real history.  By visiting one
of these places, you will definitely get a feel of what it was like to live
in the featured time period of the property, and a better appreciation of
history and historical contexts.  Mere "experiences" (something more fun
focused than anything else in my opinion) include Disneyland, the
Polynesian Cultural Center in Hawaii, and the like.<<

I admit I missed the beginning of this thread, but I contend that it's a
positive attribute when museums focus on the "experience." The dictionary
says
an experience is "observing, encountering, or undergoing events," and "the
knowledge or practical wisdom gained from this process."  What more could
any
museum wish for?!   (And what's wrong with having "fun" in a museum
anyway?)
:-)

Museums that consider the visitor "experience" tend to have a broader view
of
what happens when a visitor is on site.  They look at the visitor "package"
of
parking, hospitality, signage, exhibits, programs, rest rooms, and
opportunities
for social interaction, as all being integral parts of the complete visit.

The one thing that *everyone* takes away with them from a museum visit is
"an
experience."  Just think what visitors would say if museums gave everyone
"merely" a superb experience!   :-)

Susan M. Ward
Heritage Communications
615-661-6336 phone, 615-371-8774 fax
[log in to unmask]