Engaging and Interpreting Basics for Guests

It is one thing to show text and images and objects to visitors, but interpreting these objects gives the visitor a new understanding altogether.

Just like a language translator interprets the meaning of one language and converts it into a language that the recipient understands, museum docents can be interpreters for the stories and details in our museum.  We take the information that is presented and help the visitor to understand not only the details that are easy to see, but also the underlying reasons and connections that, in some cases at least, still impact or touch their lives today.

Try to explore other vantage points with objects and topics.

Offer context:  “Today we are used to ____, but when this was taking place, ___________.”

example: Today, 2 hours to get from downtown Frederick to downtown Hagerstown seems like a long time because we are used to a 40 minute drive, but when the trolleys first started offering that trip it could take 2-3 days with a family wagon.

Ask guests to picture what the experience of seeing or hearing an event or location was like for the people of that time, and to imagine themselves having that experience.

You may learn a new detail which surprises you.  Use those “mind blowing” facts and unique features within an exhibit to perk their interest further.  A “Wow” factor detail can lead a guest to want to learn more and stay longer.

“50 Ways to Look At A Big Mac Box”

For many years, one of the classic examples of interpreting from different angles has been the many ways one can look at a Big Mac box.  Picture the packaging from that sandwich, and then think of the many types of things that can be done or asked to learn from it…

When thinking of an object or an image in our exhibits, consider challenging yourself to find new ways to examine or question its content and learn new things.

When examining a big mac box, some examples the example gives include:

• Smell it
• Taste it
• Feel its surfaces
• Does it make noise?
• What are its measurements?
• Describe its appearance
• Why is it that size and shape?
• Are all McDonalds boxes the same?
• Have the sizes changed over the years?
• Why isn’t it a different color?
• What is the function of the decoration?
• What does the lettering represent?
• What can the logos and symbols tell you about society?
• What does the circle R mean?
• What material is the box made of?
• What raw material was used to make that
• How much has the shape been determined by the material used to make it?
• Is the material a renewable resource?
• What does that say about attitudes toward conservation in society?
• Why was that material chosen?
• At what stage of creation do you think lettering was applied?
• Does the box work well for its intended purpose?
• Can the design be improved?
• If someone designed a hamburger box 100 years ago would they have designed it differently?

Beyond the Walls

Our organization maintains historical information panels across the state along the 170 miles from Baltimore to Grantsville.

Other organizations maintain similar information panels in other states along the road.

As visitors tour our museums, leverage the entire road from Baltimore to St. Louis as an exhibit of its own.   Promote visits to other towns and museums along the road.  If the visitor doesn’t want to take a long road trip, as most likely won’t, even a half hour or hour drive east or west will take them through historic towns and past important sites along the Historic National Road.