Dear Erin,

In brief, our process is one of evolution and theme. Each year the museum
adopts an interpretive theme, and exhibits in the house and visitor center
are designed to reflect it. The VC exhibit case is very small; so there it
is more of a challenge to reflect the annual theme, because objects must be
small to fit in the space available. The choice of objects is therefore
limited in the VC.

Ideally exhibit planning starts with a theme... then I search for evidence
and objects... & search through our archives for evidence (diaries...
etc)... By that time, enough evidence has been produced in order to create a
focused exhibit, whether it be in the house museum or the VC.

Like any academic process it always begins with the evidence. You tell the
story it tells. 

We have some feedback from volunteers and might "tweak" the exhibit to
respond to volunteer comments and questions. Volunteers always preview it
before the general public does.

That's it generally. If you have more specific questions, please let me
know.

Best,
Ware Petznick
McFaddin-Ward House

-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of Erin O'Malley
Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2008 10:34 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Exhibit Plan

I'm interested in what procedures/policies other museums have when it comes
to exhibits.  I'd love to hear from both large and small museums as to
exactly what your exhibit process is.
Thanks so much.

Erin O'Malley

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