Reflections on Reinventing the Museum, Part 1

Although I took issue with the writing style and excessive use of passive voice within this week’s readings, the articles clearly and effectively outlined the multiple and varied questions and concerns that modern museums face today. Having had little experience working directly with museums I was intrigued to learn how museums are facing challenges of interpretation. I found the article “Changing Practices of Interpretation,” by Lisa Roberts, especially thought-provoking. By establishing a three-pronged approach to examining the changing methods of interpretation, Roberts succeeded in highlighting how museums are attempting to keep their audience engaged while at the same time acknowledging existing controversies. Roberts also alluded to the concept of interpretation as a “task of connection.” The combination of these issues made me question how private corporations contend with these changes in the field of public history. If visitor centers at breweries or other privately owned tourist destinations display exhibits recounting the company’s history, should visitors be expected to accept this version of interpretation as historically accurate? Or do visitors experience these exhibits in terms of their personal connections to the company or product? Are these public spaces held to different standards than museums in terms of expected standards/practices of interpretation?