I learned something new today.
Working at Mystic Seaport you would think I’d be keenly aware that all the permanent and changing Museum exhibits don’t just happen overnight. Well, I DO realize that — but this morning was an eye-opening education.
Jeff Crewe, a key member of the Museum’s Exhibits Department, spoke about all the research, brainstorming, planning and teamwork that goes on before the ultimate construction of an exhibit. It’s an awesome process with a singular goal – to have the exhibit engage, entertain and educate visitors during their visit and make them want to visit Mystic Seaport more often.
Jeff likens making an exhibit to film-making: it must have appeal and reach the right audience; there are actors (interpreters who man an exhibit); and there’s a script (explaining the exhibit). The big difference is that an exhibit has about 15 minutes or less to keep a visitor interested, whereas a film has up to two hours to do that. Hmm.
Bet you never thought about that either.
There’s a term called ‘museum fatigue’ that refers to a feeling of too much information to absorb by reading only. At the risk of sounding partial, I don’t think that affliction is likely to happen at Mystic Seaport. From games on the green, building a wooden boat, drawing your own map, learning to tie sailors’ knots, boarding amazing vessels, taking a carriage ride or a steamboat ride, gazing at the star-studded universe….the list goes on and on. The only museum fatigue you might have is physical exhaustion from a great day at Mystic Seaport!
I hope when you do visit, that you’ll think a bit more about the exhibits Mystic Seaport has provided with you in mind. Come not just once, but over and over again. Exhibits are always changing.
This post was written by volunteer Trudi Busey. Just try and catch up with her as she explores all Mystic Seaport has to offer!
