One issue of interest to practitioners and researchers in science centres concerns what meanings visitors are making from their interactions with exhibits and how they make sense of these experiences. The research reported in this study is an exploratory attempt, therefore, to investigate this process by using video clips and still photographs of…

The competence of interpreters, so called "docents," influences visitors' learning in museums. The study reported in this paper investigated 16 interpreters' perceptions about: the educational goals of the science museum in Taiwan, the function of the interpreter in the science museum, the requirements for a competent interpreter, and…

In this paper, the director of The United States Society for Education through Art (USSEA) child art exhibitions presents some issues for future exhibition promoters to consider. A clear, concise list of qualifications and information, should be provided when requesting public submissions of work. Information required may include: name of country;…

A study was conducted during fall semester 1981 and spring semester 1982 at Parkland College, a 2-year community college in Champaign, Illinois, to determine the influence of a book display on circulation in an academic library. The study was based on previous experiments conducted by Herbert Goldhor in public libraries. A group of 100 books was…

Maintains that presenting history to the public is a goal most historians enthusiastically endorse. Concludes that reuniting scholarship and emotion, objectivity and empathy, fact and feeling may be the biggest challenge that historians face in a new scientific and intellectual world. (CFR)

Relates history and process by which 12 historic wampum belts were turned over to representatives of Onondaga Nation (New York), one of six Indian tribal communities of Iroquois Confederacy. Describes history of belts from pre-Columbian times to modern times. Compliments both the New York State Board of Regent and leaders of the Onondaga Nation…

Reports on a study of the use of museums by 541 middle and high school art education specialists. Finds that art specialists see the art museum as important to supplement classroom instruction in study work and art history. Includes four tables of data and recommendations for enhancing the use of museums by art educators. (CFR)

Maintains that it is widely accepted among both public and academic historians that history museums have become more pluralistic institutions in the last two decades. Reports on a two-year ethnographic study on the training and work of museum interpreters at Colonial Williamsburg. (CFR)

This paper asserts that interactive exhibits are more than just hands-on activities but utilize a range of techniques. The variety of techniques is explained with examples of various types of exhibits to involve the visitor in learning more about the exhibit. The paper presents several examples that strike a balance between educating in history…

Reports on an investigation into the behaviors and attitudes of visitors viewing a public exhibition about environmental problems concerning Madrid (Spain). Results indicated that the major variable related to the amount of time spent viewing specific photographs was related to the location of the photographs. (TW)

Contends that, although the topic of sports and leisure seems suited for study primarily at the national level, local communities can be rich sources of information. Describes the role of sports history within the overall work of the Needham (Massachusetts) Historical Society. (CFR)

Reports on a follow-up study to an evaluation of art museum education practices from nearly a decade ago. That report criticized museum art education as lacking intellectual rigor and training, institutional support, technical training, and vision. The up-to-date data found some significant improvement but many of the same problems. (MJP)

Examined is the contribution that hands-on, interactive centers can make to science education. The characteristics of informal and formal learning are compared and discussed. (KR)

Presents an excellent summation of the controversy over the Smithsonian's Enola Gay exhibit. Delineates the preparation of the exhibit, nature and origins of the objections raised, subsequent revisions in the text, and the decision to cancel the exhibit. Includes textual passages from the most disputed sections of the exhibit. (MJP)

Argues that the objections raised to the Enola Gay exhibit are rooted in Cold War politics. Maintains that this historical myopia exemplifies the need for challenging historical inquiry. Characterizes opposition to the exhibit as largely political and discusses demands made to censor exhibit material. (MJP)