INTERPRETATION OF HISTORICAL CONFLICT IN LIVING HISTORY MUSEUMS
Loading...
Authors
Stover, Kate F.
Issue Date
1988
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine how living history museums interpret historical conflict and whether they should interpret it more frequently. A questionnaire determined which living history museums in the United States interpret historical conflict; six museums were selected for further study. During the case study research, the interpretation of conflict was observed and staff and visitors were interviewed.
The results of the study appear to indicate that, although many living history museums do not depict historical conflict, both staff and visitors respond favorably when conflict is interpreted; they feel that the historical information about conflict is useful, interesting, and enhances the realism of museum interpretation.
Based on the evidence gathered, this study recommended that more living history museums interpret historical conflict, that living history museums institute a focused and integrated approach to the interpretation of conflict, and that additional program evaluations be implemented to assess the effectiveness of such programs.