Please Touch Museum Object

ShopRite Supermarket in the City Capers Exhibit

I chose the ShopRite Supermarket space that is located in the City Capers Exhibit at the Please Touch Museum.  This "object" is a tool that is used by children to play and explore ideas and concepts that are adult.  This exhibit is intended to show children how cities work and how buying groceries contributes to the city.  Children find this object to be very important because performing adult tasks engages them and is also fun.  It is also important to parents because it good to see how children apply the things that they learn in public, into their own imaginations and play.

By setting up the ShopRite exhibit, children can take what they learn when they are at actual shopping markets with their parents and apply it in this display.  It is a way for the children to recognize that they know the roles that are needed, and then they take on the roles in order to fully understand how everything works.  This object was most likely acquired through funds contributed from ShopRite.  This is a way for the supermarket chain to receive advertising, as well allows the museum to educate children about society.   

The ShopRite Supermarket is displayed surrounded by other city exhibits; such as, a construction zone, Children's Hospital Medical Center, and a shoe store.  Having the supermarket placed near all of these other city spaces, it allows children to make the connection that these real-life places can be part of the make-believe playing.  Inside of the Supermarket are shopping carts, cash registers, and shelves stocked with groceries (empty boxes with real packaging). Children are free to roam around the grocery store with a shopping cart and take items off of the shelf and pretend to be purchasing them.  

Signage on top of the grocery shelves

The point of view that is on the signs in the ShopRite Supermarket are short phrases that tell the children to clean up after they are done playing in the market.  The wording is simple, and in the sign above, it rhymes.  It is short and simple so that older children can read it easily and that when parents read the signs to smaller children they will understand it more easily.  There were also flyers that parents could grab that had a recipe on it.  Not only are children being engaged in the museum setting, but they can also go home and bake with their families.   

 

In order to understand why the museum has exhibits such as this, it could be important to understand educational psychology and the different theories that mention developmental learning stages, different types of learning, and how children learn through the act of play.  Montessori is a psychologist that inspired the development of the Please Touch Museum, his theories are further explained here.  Older children might not be interested in this object because they have already furthered their understanding about these societal aspects.  Different psychological learning theories might tell a different story about this object.  One might think that children will not actually be learning anything through this type of experience, and therefore would eliminate the purpose of the museum.

I think that another way to get children engaged with this object would be to have a specific play time everyday that would ask any child who wants to participate to take the roles of the ShopRite staff and customers.  This would engage the children with each other and enhance what they might learn, because the children would be sharing knowledge that they might already have.  Overall, this exhibit is great and kids really love it!        

American Swedish Historical Museum Object

Interactive Within the Golden Map Room

While visiting the American Swedish Historical Museum I found the interactive tools in the Golden Map Room to be very interesting.  This object is outdated and could be updated to improve visitor interaction within the space, and also advance the accessibility of the information and material to the visitors.  Many visitors could find this object important, especially those who learn visually.  It is a way to deliver information to people, but because it is outdated I think all age groups will have a hard time making a connection with this object.  Also, I think that younger generations would simply be confused by the purpose of this object.  

Displaying this object is supposed to have an educational impact on visitors.  It was acquired in the 1980s when the room was designed and the dated style makes it even more apparent that the room is aged.  However, the reason behind the original use of this interactive is still relevant.  Education is the primary focus in many museums, and even if this is a dated tool, it could be just as much a historical aspect of the museum.      

The Golden Map Room consists of a large mural painting of a map that covers the walls in the entire room.  On tables that wrap around the room are multiple interactive tools that look just like this.  When a visitor pushes the button of one of these tools, the text is lit and a person can read the facts that are displayed.  The most interesting part of this interactive, in my opinion, is the image that lights up as well.  Each image can be found on a small portion of the wall map.  It was explained that on school tours students are encouraged to find the image on each interactive on the map.  This allows for students to get involved and actually see where Sweden and its territories were located.  In the Golden Map Room the lighting is very low, and the colors are very dark.  Having the lights dim is part of a way to conserve the delicate painting that is on the walls.  However, in combination with the dark red carpeting it might be harder for visitors to see every aspect of the room.  On the same note, it might just make it imperative for visitors to look harder.    
On the interpretive tool, the descriptive text is written so that most visitors can read and understand the information being presented.  They are written in short sentences so that the visitor can digest the information and then move onto the next fact.  Overall, I think that without this interactive tool, understanding about Swedish history would fall short through only analyzing the map.  This tool allows for connections to be made with the material relative to the locations that the historical events that were actually taking place during that time.     

World history would enrich my understanding of this object.  I am unsure of the events that were taking place in other countries that may have impacted the Swedish people and influenced them to travel to the United States.  With reference to other historical events, it would allow me to place the information and compare it to other aspects of history.  It would also be beneficial to understand Swedish customs (which can be learned through other exhibits and events that ASHM holds).  You can find information about what the museum has to offer here.  It was brought up during the class visit, that the different terminology to describe the native people could possibly be considered politically incorrect.  Understanding all of these things can only benefit the type of experience that a person can have during a visit to the American Swedish Historical Museum.  

 People that might not be interested in this object would be those who do not care to learn about Swedish History.  Also, I think that many people could agree that this object needs replaced in the museum with technology that is more advanced and can allow for more interaction with the visitors.  Younger generations would most likely have an ignorant understanding of the reason for having such an item.  An opposing idea is that it does not seem like it does much else than present information, similar to the way a panel or label does.  One might ask the question, why doesn't the museum just hang panels in the room or just display labels?  I believe that there is a good concept behind this idea because it engages visitors with the map, it just needs to be brought into the 21st century.    

One thing that would engage visitors further with this object would be to enhance its capabilities.  I would suggest that perhaps the museum should replace the outdated interpretive tool with something newer like iPads or audio and video stations, but that could become extremely expensive.  I would also say that the museum should display objects that are shown in the images right by the interactive tools.  This could be really difficult if the museum does not already have the objects.  Instead, it might be easier just to have a visitor response station set up in the room in order for visitors to reiterate what was learned in the space.  Or, the museum could develop an App for visitors to open on their cell phones.  All of these examples could add another dimension that The Golden Map Room does not currently have.   

Philadelphia Zoo Object

Decreasing Population of Sumatran Orangutans 

Visual Tool

The object that I chose to write about at the Philadelphia Zoo was a visual tool that explained to zoo visitors the decreasing population of wild Sumatran Orangutans since 1933, since the over consumption of Palm Oil.  Learn more about this issue by visiting The Orangutan Project and the Sumatran Orangutan Society. 

This tool is made up of two tubes that are filled with toy orangutans, with one representing the year 1933 and the other representing 2012.  The 1933 tube is very full and the 2012 tube has significantly less orangutans in it.   People who would find this tool very important are those who more readily retain information through visual observation.  It is also important to educators because it could be useful in presenting the information to a young audience.  Students could easily understand that there are a lot less orangutans in the environment now than there were before.  Then, it could be guiding students to ask questions about preventing the decline in population and possibly how we could help to increase the number of orangutans over the years.  The object is on display for that reason, to get visitors to understand how humans are negatively effecting the environment and what we can do to help this issue. 

This item was most likely designed by the exhibition team in order to convey the message about the negative effects of the consumption of palm oil.  This visual tool can be found in the Primate Reserve, on the second floor where the Palm Oil exhibit and information can be found.  This didactic tool is written in a way that can be easily understood by any visitor.  Children and adults can both easily grasp the concept with this imagery and text combination.  The placement of this objects is perfect, because visitors can actually observe the animals that are effected by palm oil consumption right there in front of them.  Not only does that put into perspective the subject of the material, but it also has an emotional effect on the visitors attending the exhibit.  After realizing that it is a life threatening problem to the animals, perhaps they might want to try and save the animals by lowering the consumption of palm oil, or just not using products that contain it at all.  I believe that was the intent of the exhibition designers in order to make a statement and demonstrate the human impact on nature and the environment. 

Biology and natural science might enhance my understanding of this topic a little more.  I know that animals are affected by their environments and humans can play a large role in destroying environments; however, I am unsure as to the extent of animal reliance on palm oil.  Also, I do not know what types of products we can use in replace of palm oil.  I think that showing the science behind all of this information could only benefit the visitors’ understanding of the material.  As long as it is presented in a way that all visitors could easily understand the material.  It might also be a good idea for the Zoo to have sources and brochures for people to learn how they can contribute to saving the rainforest.  There is also more information on the Rainforest Action Network's website, explaining this issue in further detail.  This site is also a way for people to get involved and help save the rainforest.      

An audience that might not be interested in this visual tool located in the Palm Oil exhibit, would be companies that use palm oil in their products.  This could be a problem for their business, if more people are educated about the subject.  Likewise, those companies might have a different story to tell.  They might make the point that there are too many products that rely on palm oil in the ingredients, and stopping the use of the product would dissatisfy customers, and destroy the economy.  Because the companies would have to most likely find materials to use that are more expensive than palm oil, there would be a dent in the market.  

To engage visitors with this information, I would develop a tool that could have an even larger emotional impact on visitors.  I would attempt to collect different types of product containers that contain palm oil in the ingredients.  This could have a huge effect on people, because then they could see how much they have contributed to the lowering population of Sumatran Orangutans.  Or it could even be more effective if there was a comparison of the number of products a household would consume in "x" amount of time that would contribute to the mortality of "x" number of orangutans.  This would definitely deliver the message that the Philadelphia Zoo is trying to convey through this visual tool and exhibit.   

Rosenbach Museum and Library: Object

"Why is a Raven like a Writing Desk?" or
The Mad Hatter's Tea Party
Sir John Tenniel
Wood Engraving
1864-5

This object from the Rosenbach Museum and Library's online database, is an original print for the illustrations of the book Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.  This object could be very important to a lot of people.  Generations of people have a connection with this story, and can easily recognize the characters.  There have even been many interpretations of the book turned into movies, making a connection between the story and even more people.  Also, historians and art collectors would be highly interested in this piece because of the influence this story has had on literature and even the artist's skill in depicting the scene.  

I am not sure if this image is actually on display at the Rosenbach currently, in fact I believe that it is most likely in archives because of the restrictions in displaying works on paper due to preservation needs.  I chose this image though, because I have been fascinated with the story of Charles Dodgson (Lewis Carroll) and his relationship with Alice and her sister.  Also, during the tour I had noticed a manuscript that was on display in one of the cases written by Dodgson to Alice.  This made me want to post an object that could portray the relationship of the author and the subject of the story.  It is fascinating to understand that such a classic piece of literature was written for a young girl, with her as the subject of the story.  

I am not 100% positive, but I am guessing that this piece was acquired by the Rosenbach brothers during their lifetime.  These types of original documents would be exactly what they were looking to put into their collection.  Also, the brothers went to great lengths in order to bring the original manuscript of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland to the United States.  Of course it is no longer in the collection, but there are a lot of Alice related materials that were acquired by the brothers.    

Because the print is not on display in the museum (my assumption, because I did not see it), I do not believe there is any descriptive material. The information in the database is limited to the title, author, date, and catalog number.  However if there were, I am sure that it would communicate the story of Alice and Dodgson.  Alice Liddell Hargreaves actually visited the Rosenbachs in the 1930s in Philadelphia.  So, this image might even be displayed next to the photographs of Alice and Dr. Rosenbach if it were to be exhibited.  This would allow for the visitors to relate to the history of the story of Alice and put into context exactly how the story came to be.  Also the Rosenbach's importance in history is shown through the relationships that they were trying to make.  

Understanding children's literature would definitely enrich a person's understanding of this object, but I also think that understanding the process of wood engraving would allow people to appreciate the work of Sir John Tenniel.  It is an involved process that requires great knowledge of the skill.  Someone who might not find interest in this object would be a person that does not like books, is not familiar with Alice in Wonderland, or has no interest in art and old documents.  It seems like most people might have interest in at least one of these categories, but I am sure that there is someone who would not be thrilled with this piece.  

I have heard some interesting stories/ rumors about the story of Dodgson and his relationship with Alice and her sister.  That might be a point of view that would tell a different narrative about this object.  Some people believe that Charles Dodgson may have had corrupt intentions because of the time that he had spent with these two young girls.  Also, Dodgson's photography is usually of youth subjects.  They might even attribute subtexts to the words found in the literature that might suggest that Dodgson was slightly obsessed with Alice.  Just Good Friends? is an article that presents this side of the story, if you have never heard it.    

This is all just an assumption made up by someone and there is no way of actually knowing if this was the case, but people who might view this image in the future might bring the assumptions with them and interpret the work with that meaning.  I believe that people in today's society like to ruin innocent stories like the one between Charles and Alice,  because they are just unaware of the social differences of the times.  Also today's society is fascinated with the dark side and how seemingly innocent things could have different meanings.  Just look at what people think about Disney movies.     

If I could, I would develop an exhibition that would be based on the manuscripts of Charles Dodgson and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.  With the wide variety of images and documents that the Rosenbach has in its collection, there would undoubtedly be enough information to build an exhibition.  It is such an interesting tale, that I believe it would bring in a wide audience.  This is because people are highly interested in the ambiguity of the story and it is so well known.           

National Constitution Center "Object"

American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition

For this week's "object" I chose American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition exhibition that will be opening October 19, 2012.  It was a very interesting experience viewing the exhibition while it is in the process of being developed.  Using my imagination to walk through the space, I could sense that it is going to be an exhibition that many people will enjoy.  It will be a very dynamic display of history, including many historical ideas about the time period between the implementation of the 18th Amendment until the end of Prohibition. 

 

This exhibition will be important to a lot of American people across the country! Most people in today's society casually drink alcoholic beverages, and that experience would not be so readily accessible if the Prohibition law would have stayed in tact.  I also believe that this exhibition will be important to anyone studying United States history.  The process of making laws and amending laws is a very in depth process, that I currently do not even fully understand.  I think it will be a great learning experience for the people in the community.  This exhibition is being "acquired" in order to educate visitors about this huge event in American history.  Prohibition has effected the lives of Americans all over the country.  

 

American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition will be in the large temporary exhibition room in the National Constitution Center.  It will be drastically different than the layout of the rest of the museum, in that there will be a paced experience for visitors.  As well, it will be similar because of the many interactive elements that the designers and developers have planned into the exhibition.  There will be a short film that will play directly in the entrance of the exhibition, once it is complete visitors will move through on the designed path.  There will be games for visitors to partake in and interact with the information that the exhibition will be facilitating.  Also, there will be some representations of what it was like to live in the time of Prohibition.  Because the exhibition is not open yet, I will have to guess that the labels and descriptive elements will be informative, yet engaging.  Because of the intrigue of the topic, the labels might also have a playful and friendly tone in order for visitors to relate to the topic. 

 

The placement of the objects in this exhibition will be very important for the understanding of the material.  Because the museum will have certain elements that are supposed to slow visitors down and engage with the environment and objects, it will enhance the visitor's understanding of the information.  It will be more of an experience for visitors to observe an environment as it was in the era of Prohibition, rather than just seeing some objects, reading some things, and then moving on.  

 

United States history is a huge topic that would better a person's understanding of Prohibition.  Or even world history, because Prohibition was taking place in other countries as well.  Constitutional law would also be valuable in understanding the process of enacting Prohibition and then revising the Amendment once again.  This is something that I am not particularly knowledgeable about, so I hope to gain this in my visit to American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition (which I most certainly will be attending).  I believe that with this topic there will also be a lot of individuals who will not think this is a suitable exhibition for a museum to include.  

 

Even though it is a part of history, some might believe it is not suitable for children (who are the major audience at the National Constitution Center).  The crime that was taking place might be seen as a bad example for school students to get a full grasp on.  Also, people with strong religious backgrounds might not like to see Prohibition presented in such a light and playful way (if that is the end result of the exhibition).  There are reasons why Prohibition was enacted, and it is very similar to the debate about whether marijuana should be legalized.  Everyone has strong opinions about sensitive topics such as these.  In today's America, I think that not many people have strong feelings against alcohol consumption, but I am sure that there are people who look down upon the act.  This is probably another good reason to have an exhibition about Prohibition, in order to educate people who might have misconceptions about the era and how it relates to today.  

 

Something that I think would be a great addition to the exhibition (if it will not already include it) are personal experiences and stories from those who were living during the time of Prohibition.  It would be great to understand a basis of information from people who most definitely had strong opinions and reactions to the law.  Since it was quite a long time ago, it would even be good to learn stories that were passed down throughout generations, because it would demonstrate the impact it has on people's lives today.