Caren,

I would recommend two that seem to be quite successful for their respective
institutions. 

 

The Civil War Naval Museum in Columbus, Georgia has a well-done children's
activity guide, tied in very well with their exhibits, but with additional
activities for beyond the exhibit gallery.  They can be reached at
706-327-9798 www.portcolumbus.org <http://www.portcolumbus.org/> .

 

The Jarrell Plantation State Historic Site in Juliette, Georgia has several
guides, one to be used as a walking tour brochure (given out free), the
other for sale ($1.90) in the gift shop; it includes craft and game
activities for after the visit.  They can be reached at 912-986-5172.

 

Michelle

 

  _____  

From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of Caren S Oberg
Sent: Tuesday, February 08, 2005 10:35 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Discovery Guides - Purpose

 

I am researching the use of museum discovery guides by the general museum
audience (as defined by individual museums, but not school groups).  At this
point in the research, a discovery guide is defined as a document produced
by museums (rather than teachers outside the museum) that provide
"activities and information that stimulate visitors to work with in their
social groups" in order to extend the learning experience after interacting
with a specific on-site exhibit or exhibit component, such as theater
presentations, hands-on activities or discovery carts. For example the
National Air and Space Museum has produced a discovery guide in conjunction
with their exhibit Wright Brothers & the Invention of the Aerial Age that
shows visitors where to find three other Wright airplanes in the museum and
suggests features to look at and discuss. 

 

I have seen similar discovery guides at museums around the country. However,
I wondered if anyone on the list has had particular success (or failure)
with their discovery guides that they would be willing to share with me.  In
particular, what made the discovery guide successful (or not)? How did the
museum determine the guide's success, and what were the original goals,
objectives, and possible outcomes of the guide. 

 

Thank you, 

 

Caren S. Oberg 

Audience Researcher

 

 

C. S. Oberg

5300 Holmes Run Parkway

Apt. 409

Alexandria, VA 22304 

703.212.9092

 

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