The original posting did not explain the grounds of the city council
member's objection, making it difficult to respond in any but the broadest
terms.

A number of colleagues have stated that it is the responsibility of a museum
to present history as fairly and accurately as possible.  This is true, but
I wonder if it will reduce the number of such conflicts and complaints.

The mere act of putting an object, no matter how well-interpreted, on
display in a Museum gives that object, and all it represents, a certain
importance and legitimacy.  And it is that legitimacy itself which some
people will always object to.

In addition to careful and accurate presentation of history, we also need a
way to let visitors respond and react, to let their voices be heard.  Often
they object less to what is presented than to what is omitted -- and since
no exhibit can include everything, there will always be such complaints.

An example from another field may be helpful.  The Field Museum's exhibit
"Life Over Time" presents the scientific view of evolution.  At several
points throughout the exhibit there are "talkback" stations: a bulletin
board with pencils and index cards, and a label posing a question to elicit
feedback.  Members of the public who take issue with the exhibit thus have a
means of expressing their concerns within the exhibit itself.  As a result,
the Museum has received very few complaints.

This method does require Museum staff to go through the exhibit at least
once a week to restock the stations, take down the graffiti, sort through
the responses, etc.  But it seems to be worth it.

Eugene Dillenburg
Lead Developer, Philippine Coral Reef Exhibit
John G. Shedd Aquarium
1200 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, Ill.  60605

V) 312 / 692-3136
F) 312 / 939 - 8001
e) [log in to unmask]

"Rules of grammar which don't contribute to clarity can be thrown out with
the classroom chalk stubs." -- Heywood Hale Broun

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