Discusses the varying effects of economic and social conditions (particularly affluence, educational attainment, and immigration) on the development of U.S. art museums in 1869-99, 1900-30, and 1931-59. Suggests that museum legitimacy transmits the effects of most economic and social variables. Contains 63 references. (SV)

Various contributions that Black Americans have made to the development of technology in the United States are presented. The article is based on a museum exhibit which pays tribute to the role that Black inventors and innovators played in the development of the United States between 1619 and 1930. (KR)

Explores heritage museums as sites of cultural production in terms of the distinction drawn by historians between "memory" and "history," denoting fundamentally opposed orientations toward the past. Examines the discursive practices of museum guides in Israeli settlement museums, and suggests a more nuanced view of the…

Describes "Contemporary Art Start," a year-long, curriculum-based art-education program designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of contemporary art as a form of visual communication, personal expression, and social commentary. Discusses curriculum structure, the curriculum guide, how to engage teachers and students, using…

Discusses user interaction with museum application interfaces and emphasizes the importance of adaptable and adaptive interfaces to meet differing user needs. Considers levels of support that can be given to different users during navigation of museum hypermedia information, using examples from the Web site for the Marble Museum (Italy).…

Reviews research on learning among visitors to museums and other interpretive sites. Discusses central and peripheral information processing, need for cognition, intrinsic motivation, visual memory, and metacognition. Describes an evaluation model for exhibits and programs that incorporates visitor learning. (SAS)

Describes how to create a positive interpretive experience for visitors: one must know the audience in order to interpret what participants wants to gain from the experience. Knowing or learning what motivates the participant and meeting those motivational needs can lead to a satisfying visit. (SAH)

Despite recent research by regional historians, Appalachian museums continue to collect and exhibit artifacts that conform to a century-old "canon" romanticizing pioneer life. Within this framework, Appalachian craft objects are considered low-status compared to the material culture of colonial elites exhibited in major urban museums.…

Reports results of an observational study of museum exhibit design. Suggests eight communication practices from successful museum exhibit design that could be transferred to information design for the Web. (SR)

Examines differences and similarities between adult-led docent museum tours and those led by junior docents (high school students) based on their interactions with elementary school groups and strategies for presenting exhibits using several data-collection instruments. Finds greater student and teacher satisfaction with junior docents than with…

Presents an interview with the head of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), Diane Frankel. Discusses the IMLS vision; library funding under IMLS versus the Department of Education; criteria for grant awards; effects of the Gates Library Foundation on federal funding; library/museum collaboration; and funds allocation to libraries…

Illustartes how colleges can begin to develop links with museums in order to capitalize on the extensive resources available to them. (Author/CCM)

Reviews a variety of distance learning programs, including the British Open University; Nova University; University of Maine (Orono); Public Facilities Telecommunications Program; National Technological University; Star Schools; museums; Jones International University; Public Broadcasting System; University of Phoenix; Western Governors…

Describes the "A Question of Truth" exhibit at the Ontario Science Centre which examines several questions about the nature of science itself, how ideas are formed, and how cultural and political conditions affect the practice of science. Observation data indicate that science center visitors are interested in considering science and the…

Voices and Visions is an initiative launched cooperatively by a school district, museum, and university. Situated within the museum, it is intended to help children feel curiosity and delight about people's differences while learning how much they actually have in common. The program also includes yearlong classroom activities, built around six…