Museum Studies Exam Questions
Why and how do museums perform inventories?
Why: -security: deter and detect theft -review: objects are properly stored; object condition; if location info in the object record is reliable How: -collections managers, registrars, curators, volunteers, and interns check the physical location of all the objects that a museum has accessioned or borrowed from other museums/collectors
Why is the combination of temperature and humidity crucial to the preventive care of objects? What are the recommended standards and how are they achieved?
-both air humidity and air dryness damage objects Ideal temperature : 68-72 F Ideal relative humidity: 55% or 45%-60%; less than 45% -static electricity builds up; organic materials dry out; more than 65% - mold Daily or seasonal fluctuations must be avoided Equipment for measuring humidity and temperature: thermo hygrometers; indicators; recorders Equipment for humidity and temperature control: air conditioning systems; dehumidifiers/ humidifiers
Identify and explain three criteria for museum collections development.
-consistency with the museum's mission statement -relevance to collections -available storage, protection and preservation -physical condition of items does not threaten any other collections and people -items have a clear chain of provenance (all previous owners are known and can be documented)
Identify and explain the five museum acquisition methods in use today.
-gifts: donors approach the museum or vice versa -purchases: at auctions, from dealers, collectors, etc. -exchange or transfer between museums: inter-institutional transactions -bequests: objects enter the museum collection after the death of the donor -collection in the field: museum staff looks for objects in their original setting
What are the three characteristics of non-profit museums?
-surplus funds not distributed to shareholders/ owners but used to advance the organization's goals -exists for the public good -non‐profit museums are 501 (c) organizations, exempted from some federal income taxes, museum donations -‐‐ tax deductible
Explain 1) the context in which NAGPRA was adopted and 2) how NAGPRA works.
1) 1970s-1980s -- Native Americans began reclaiming their objects with a new trend of cultural resurgence 2) 1990 Requires all museums that receive federal funds to: -inventory sensitive materials -consult with Native-American tribes and reach agreements on repatriation Requires native people to: -show that requested items are "sacred objects" -prove that the museum holding the object doesn't have the right of possession
How do museums organize their collections? Name and explain two methods.
1. By discipline (art, science, history, etc.) • specific to multidisciplinary museums • follows academic approaches to the subject • exhibitions tend to stay within the limits of one discipline 2. By subject (advertising, clothing, food, religion, etc.: European art, Asian art, etc.; mammals, birds, etc.) • specific to large museums that specialize in one discipline (history, arts, natural history, etc.) • items in a collection are diverse in type and nature • subjects reflect curators' interests or continue established collecting traditions at the museum 3. By material category (wood, glass, tex+les, etc.) • specific to museums whose collections can be neatly differentiated based on objects' material • simplifies preventetive conservation and collections management
Identify and explain three reasons why numerous museums in the late-‐‐19th century were considered "elitist."
1. Elite architecture style -- Beaux Arts (Neo-Classical) style, Greek, Roman, Baroque, and Renaissance elements 2. Elite location -- big cities with lots to do for the rich 3. Exhibits displayed the fine arts -- a high class, educated outing
Identify two early preservation projects in the US and explain the historical context in which they were initiated.
1. George Washington's revolutionary headquarters in Newburgh, NY (first historic house in the U.S.), 1850, saved by New York State Legislature 2. Mount Vernon - plantation home of George Washington, 1860, saved by Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, Ann Pamela Cunningham Animated by pre-civil war patriotic feelings, wanted to preserve a sense of what America had been/could be.
Refer to the classification of museums based on the exhibit type and describe the nature of at least three categories
1. traditional (indoor) museums: brick-and-mortar structures housing collections, exhibitions, programs, etc 2. living history (open‐air) museums: "museums of buildings", living-history = staffed with costumed interpreters, who demonstrate occupations, daily life, etc. from the past 3. historic houses: related to the life of a more or less famous individual or historic event, the house itself is a museum artifact, objects may be original to the house or not 4. children's museums (unlimited interaction with all museum objects) 5. virtual museums: do not exist physically, reasons: impossible to bring together physical artifacts, financial issues
Charles Wilson Peale
1741‐1827 -army officer -painter -naturalist -‐‐ collector of zoological, botanical and archaeological specimens -1786 - Philadelphia - Peale Museum Peale Museum's highlights: -collection of stuffed birds -display of North American mastodon (mammoth) bones -scientific classification method for artifacts
The British Museum
1753, founded by King George II -objects came from Sir Hans Sloan (1660-‐‐1753), left ca.70,000 objects (paintings, sculptures, books, manuscripts, natural history specimens, drawings, dried plants) in his will to the British government -King George used these to make The British Museum -encouraged donations of private libraries and collections by nobles -donated his own library and the right to a copy of every book published in the country
James Smithson
1764-1829 British Scientist -after his nephew died with no heirs, Smithson's will left his estate to "the U.S.A., to found at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge" Structure -museum -‐‐ collections in the sciences, arts, and history -library -program of research and publication
Name and explain two advantages and two disadvantages of the museum exhibition as a medium of communication.
Advantages: -facilitates a direct encounter between visitors and 3-D objects -encourages the use of more human senses at once -allows for close and all-round viewing of objects -shows objects at full scale -allows the use of additional interpretive materials (hands‐on displays, video, audio, etc.) in addition to objects, to enhance the museum experience Disadvantages: -high production cost -require coordination of time and space at the museum -outside‐home location -reliance on other forms of media for attracting visitors -physical effects on visitors
Explain the format of a given accession number.
C2014.3.4b --- CONTROL NUMBER.ACCESSION NUMBER.OBJECT NUMBER -First letter: can define the collection, not always used -Control number: accession year -Accession number: the serial number of a specific accession in a certain year -Object number: some accessions include more objects; in that case, the object number is the serial number of an object in that particular accession; some objects consist of several parts (i.e. a teapot with lid); in that case, the object number includes letters associated with each object part (i.e 238.2a (the teapot) and 238.2b (the teapot's lid))
Name and explain (1) two challenges of label writing; (2) two ways to overcome such challenges.
Challenges: readers are standing (tired easily, may have been at the museum a long time), limited attention span (won't read for very long, may have already done a lot of reading), no interest in reading (not interested in the subject) Solutions: short length, accessible language (9‐10th grade level), exciting, creative content
Why is lighting crucial to the preventive care of objects? What are the recommended standards and how are they achieved?
Damage from: -concentrated heat -duration of exposure (damage from light is cumulative - long exposure to low intensity has the same damaging effects as short exposure to high intensity) -ultraviolet rays (combined with heat and humidity oxidizes materials) Materials sensitive to light: -cellulose (wood, paper and some textiles) -organic materials (leather, silk, wool, bone, ivory) -paint pigments and coatings (all colors are likely to fade under continued exposure to light) In museums: recommended max. exposure to light is 50-200 lux Equipment for measuring light: light meters Equipment for light control: window protection (special glass, film shades or sheets, shutters, draperies or blinds); low UV fluorescent tubes or protective sleeves for fluorescent tubes
Define deaccessioning, give two examples of situations that can result in deaccessioning, and explain their disposal choice(s)
Deaccessioning: the process of removing accessioned objects from the museum's collections management system, legally and permanently -Deterioration of the object ---> destruction -object might be a fake ---> transfer to a secondary collection (used for education purposes) or another institution; destruction -object has duplicates ---> sale, transfer, destruction -object is the subject of repatriation laws ---> return to its rightful owner
Define cataloging, describe its purpose, and list the three basic types of cataloging information covered by all object records (include an example of each)
Def: documenting all available info on each object's physical appearance, pre‐museum and museum life in the object's record (usually done electronically in the museum's database) Purpose: ensures the access to information about the museum's collection for research and interpretation; proof of accountability for the museum's property Cataloging info: 1. Physical Information (materials, colors, shape, dimension, inscriptions, etc.) 2. Provenance (provenience) information (maker, date made, place made, prior owners other than the donor, etc.) - "pre-museum life" of the object 3. Registration information (accession number, donor info, location in the museum, condition, appraisal, etc.) - "museum life"
Define the collections management policy, identify the three main parts of it, and explain how it helps the systematic approach of museum collection
Definition: institutional plan that governs all aspects of collections development, care, and use Three main parts: collections development, collections care, collections use How it helps: establish guidelines and professional standards for museum staff in charge of making collections-related decisions
Name and describe the factors that inform the decisions on the use of color in museum exhibition design.
Exhibition color design decisions depend on: -the mood to be achieved in the exhibition environment -objects' colors -color commonalities suggest the color scheme of the exhibition -symbolism - cultural meaning of colors (blue for water‐related themes; green - nature-related topics, etc.)
Name and describe the factors that inform the decisions on the use of lighting in museum exhibition design
Exhibition lighting solutions rely on: -behavioral psychology (eliciting "moods" in visitors) -functional needs of the space (optimal level for reading, influx of natural light, etc.) -conservation needs of objects
In his article "From Being about Something to Being for Somebody," Stephen Weil explores the historical development of the American museum during the last 50-60 years. Summarize this transformation and describe at least one factor that generated it.
From salvage and warehouse businesses focused on objects to organizations focused on people and education • this took place after WW2 • the transition involved a shift from selling mode to marketng mode • causes: proliferation of museums and decline in federal support; financial needs determined museums to focus on attracting private funds; as a result the the public's needs and interests became just as important as object collecting and care -professionalization of museums: new occupations (conservators, registrars, collections managers) and professional associations (AAM); as more museums joined AAM and the organization improved its structure, museum educators gained influence and started pushing for education standards • museums are not static institutions: their philosophy, functions, practices, etc. change
As a veteran collections manager, what suggestions would you make to a less-experienced colleague who asked for your opinion on (1) what good storage ensures (2) the two rules of thumb for good storage equipment.
Good storage ensures: -physical accessibility of objects and enough space with separation and support for all objects -effective security, fire, and water protection -conservation through proper environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, light, air quality) Good storage equipment: -made from materials that are durable, non-combustible, and don't emit substances harmful to the stored objects -museum storage must be properly labeled for easy identification of objects' location
Use your own words to explain the "what"‐part of interpretation. Name the three characteristics of museum interpretation.
The "what"-part of interpretation is the content of the exhibition; the story/message you are trying to tell. Shared with the public. -a matter of institutional choice -subject to change -a planned process
What are the differences between preventive and remedial conservation?
Preventive conservation: controlling the factors that might damage an object by spoiling its appearance and reducing its life span -the environment (temperature humidity, light, etc.) in storage areas and exhibits -the storage of objects (cabinets, shelves, display cases, etc.) -the handling, packing, and shipping of objects -collections managers' responsibility Remedial conservation: bringing the object as close as possible to its original appearance -art conservators' responsibility
As the director of a local museum with a limited budget and small staff, what aspects would you consider when choosing between organizing a temporary exhibit and hosting a travelling exhibit?
Temporary exhibit: -on display for a limited time -dictated by space availability and timing (the museum's exhibition schedule, specific dates), budget, etc. -maximize museums' time and space resources -allow museums to react to current events -exhibition topics/ ideas: -anniversaries of important people, notable events (discoveries, battles, disasters) or local happenings (founding of a town, school, or church) -encourage innovation without placing too much at risk -experiments with new design, interpretation Travelling exhibit: -planned by one or more museums and meant to circulate from one location to another Advantages: -the exhibition can be seen by larger numbers of people and in different locations -shared costs of production -lower production costs for catalogs, publicity materials, and souvenirs -opportunity to promote the museum that originates the material as well as the hosting museums Disadvantages: -safety of objects -complaints of visitors and researchers for objects being away from the museum which originates the material
Describe the conservation phase in the process of planning an exhibit
The conservator - leading role -prepares the condition report -oversees the design of the mounts (objects meant to support the artifacts on display, avoid concentration of physical stress on any one area, and ensure optimal visibility) -recommends remedial conservation and care and use in the exhibition
Define a furnishing plan and describe its content.
The furnishing plan presents in careful detail the architectural elements, objects and related historical information required to accurately furnish and interpret the historic house. Content: -describes the architectural appearance of each room (wall, ceiling, and floor treatments, etc.) -describes the furnishings needed for each room -presents the historical justification for the selection of each architectural element and object The furnishing plan guides: -the restoration of the house -the acquisition of objects for the house Is the basis of interpretation for the historic house
What is the significance of John D. Rockefeller's and Henry Ford's museum projects in the history of museums in the U.S.?
They created new museum concepts of museums as more interactive and "living history." Rockefeller founded Colonial Williamsburg, and Ford Greenfield Village. Outdoor/living history museums that were large-scaled themed historic attractions.
Name and explain three factors that affect exhibition planning.
a. Collections -the nature and quality of the material -if collections are sparse - loans and acquisitions are needed -the importance the museum gives to that material b. Space and time -space availability dilemma: how to ensure novelty and attract visitors? -timing and schedule of exhibitions - dilemma: how to sustain visitor attendance? -safety of artifacts--the physical durability of the display c. Museum marketing and visitors -needs and preferences of the visitors or potential visitors -surveys--who visits the museum and why -visitors--a heterogeneous group with numerous variations (age, sex, social and economic background, motivation, etc.) -dilemma: can an exhibition respond to all visitors' needs? e. Finance and staff -adequate financing of the exhibition project -success depends on available resources (staff, materials, equipment, insurance, transportation) and their deployment -dilemma: decide what exhibition aspect deserves more funds - guest curator, acquisitions, design, marketing
Define museum registration and explain its two goals.
the system that a. creates documentatoon for each transaction activity that involves museum objects -object acquisition, accession, deaccession, disposal -cataloging -loans management -object packing and logistics for incoming and outgoing objects -object insurance b. establishes the measures meant to ensure the production of this documentation (procedures to be followed)
