Museum Displays and Interpretation Flashcards

A set of 50 vocabulary-style flashcards based on the Association of Independent Museums (AIM) guide to museum displays and interpretation.

Association of Independent Museums (AIM)

The organization that produced the guide on museum displays and interpretation for independent museums.

Interpretation

The way that museums connect visitors or audiences to historic places and collections by communicating stories and ideas about heritage.

Intangible heritage

Non-physical heritage used by museums to tell stories and help people discover the meaning behind objects or heritage.

AIM Hallmarks

Guidelines stating museums need to develop collections, identify missing perspectives, and use them to encourage debate.

Strategic approach to interpretation

An approach that considers how a display fits into the rest of the museum, how it communicates with audiences, and the story it tells.

Museum Association definition of a museum

Institutions that enable people to explore collections for inspiration, learning, and enjoyment.

Black Lives Matter (impact on museums)

A movement that emphasized the need for honest evaluation of stories told, review of collections, and appraisal of their significance (2019-2022).

Museums & Galleries Scotland definition of interpretation

How we communicate collections to users to convey identifiable meaning and engage with diverse audiences.

National Lottery Heritage Fund definition of interpretation

The way we communicate stories and ideas about heritage by turning information into something accessible, relevant, and engaging.

Interpretive media

The tangible means used to engage with visitors, such as object displays, digital labels, apps, and interactive exhibits.

New Stories, New Audiences

A grant offered by AIM for new interpretation that appeals to people who might not already visit the museum.

Logic Model

A planning tool used to establish outcomes, outputs, and impact before starting an interpretation project.

Interpretive Framework

A table that sets out key stories, interpretive themes, assets, and ideas for interpretation.

Interpretive Theme

A complete idea that summarizes important points, expresses a message or point of view, and connects tangible objects with intangible ideas.

Wirksworth Heritage Centre Big Idea

Wirksworth’s geology shaped its landscape, shaped its industry, shaped its people, shaped its spirit.

T’Owd Man carving

A carving that depicts a medieval lead miner, used as a key story at Wirksworth Heritage Centre.

Topic vs. Theme example

A topic is 'The development of Llandudno'; a theme is 'Llandudno developed from quarrying villages into the Queen of the Welsh Resorts'.

Dr Sam Ham

A researcher who noted that 'People remember themes. They forget facts.'

Freeman Tilden

An individual whose work at the National Parks of America developed a thematic approach to interpretation adapted for museums.

Exhibition narrative

The longhand version of the story or history, used as source material for writing interpretive text.

Narrative length guideline

A typical narrative consists of about $350$ to $400$ words to produce $100$ to $150$ words of interpretive text.

The Big Idea

A defining statement encompassing the primary message communicated to those engaging with the interpretation.

Object label (word count)

Information alongside objects that should be concise, ideally between $30$ and $50$ words.

Accession number

A reference code for museum objects that can mystify visitors and is often better placed on the reverse of a label.

QR codes

Images on panels or showcases that direct users to websites with relevant information via personal mobile devices.

iBeacon technology

A technology that provides internet access to a discrete website in locations where Wi-Fi or phone signals are poor.

Audio content length

Presentations such as oral histories or vox pops that are best kept under $2$ minutes.

Subtitles

Text provided on screens for bilingual content and for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Digital interactive exhibits

Screens that offer visitors a choice of content, games, activities, or the chance to take a closer look at museum objects.

Hands on interactive exhibits

Tactile items like replica objects, smelly boxes, and mechanical exhibits that explain principles through touch.

Graphic panels

Carefully designed boards containing information, restricted by the principle that people only hold about seven ideas at once.

First person interpretation

In-person interpretation where presenters connect visitors to a subject and answer questions directly.

Costumed interpretation

A method where characters based on a script tell a story from a particular perspective.

External panels

Weatherproof information boards, often made from duralite, providing details about a building or location when it is closed.

Branding

A form of communication that may crossover with the interpretive Big Idea and should reflect the museum's values.

Duralite

A robust material used to make weatherproof external interpretive panels.

Well Dressing and Clipping the Church

Local traditions from Wirksworth used as part of interpretive themes regarding the town's character.

Interpretive Review

An evaluation of the visitor route and experience to identify gaps, challenges, and untold stories.

Accessible Interpretation

Ensuring text is mounted at the right height and is legible for children and wheelchair users.

Ad hoc interpretation

A non-strategic approach where interpretation evolved based on available funding, often leading to a lack of clear narrative.

Logic Model source

Heritage Fund and London Museum Development are identified as providers of tips for creating these project planning models.

Wirksworth’s history theme

A focus on mining and quarrying which left a unique social, architectural, and landscape legacy above and below ground.

Museum mission statement definition

Communicating the museum's purpose and vision through the choice of objects and how they are displayed.

Inclusivity (in interpretation)

Promoting equality by reviewing collections to identify missing perspectives and hidden stories.

Interpretive Assets

Key objects or items identified for display within an interpretive framework.

Room sets

Interactive spaces that allow visitors to touch objects and sit, helping them imagine life in the past.

Site models

Interactive exhibits that help visitors understand the context of a factory, mill, or complex historical site.

Marketing message

Communication that should reflect the values and interpretive principles of the museum.

Brainstorming (interpretive framework)

The starting point for creating a framework by identifying all possible key stories for a topic.

Hearing loop system

A system that should be provided for visitors with hearing impairments when audio content is used.