HISP200- Exam Questions

Identify and explain three reasons why numerous museums in the late-19th century were considered "elitist."

Late 19th century museums were made for wealthy people due to the Beaux Arts (Neo-Classical) architecture, the location, and most collections and exhibits were fine arts

Charles Wilson Peale

(1741-1827) Private collector of objects; naturalist- collector of zoological, botanical and archeological specimens 1786- Philadelphia-Peale Museum Peale's Museum highlights: Collection of stuffed birds, display of North American mastodon (mammoth) bones, scientific classification methods for artifacts

James Smithson

(1764-1829) British scientist established the Smithsonian Institution- the first national museum Structure of institution: Museum-collections in the sciences, arts, and history; library; program of research and publication

Explain the format of a given accession number.

(control number. accession number. object number) 1-Accession number: the serial number of a specific accession in a certain year 2-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 (the object number includes letters) 3-Control number: accession year, collection abbreviation and accession year

How do museums organize their collections? Name and explain two methods.

1) By discipline: specific to multidisciplinary museums, follows academic approaches, to the subject, exhibitions tend to stay within the limits of one discipline 2) By subject: specific to large museums that specialize in one discipline, items in a collection are diverse in type and nature; subjects reflect curator's interests or continue established collection traditions at the museum 3) By material category: specific to museums whose collections can be neatly differentiated based on objects' material, simplifies preventative conservation and collections management

Identify and explain three criteria for museum collections development.

1) Consistency with the museum's mission statement 2) relevance to collections 3) Available storage, protection, and preservation 4) Physical conditions of items does not threaten any other collections or people 5) Items have a clear chain of provenance (all previous owners are known and can be documented)

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 rules of thumb for good storage equipment and (3) the main characteristic of good storage materials.

1) Good storage ensures physical accessibility of objects and enough space with separation and support for all objects; effective security, fire, and water protection; proper environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, light, air quality) 2) The rules of thumb for good storage equipment: made from materials that are durable, non-combustible, and don't emit substances harmful to the objects; storage must be properly labeled for easy identification of objects' location 3) The main characteristic of good storage materials is special compound that minimized chemical reactions with objects, like acid-free (neutral type of paper that is free of lignin and other compounds that deteriorate it over time)

Explain (1) the context in which NAGPRA was adopted and (2) how NAGPRA works

1) In the 1970s- 80s Native Americans began claiming their objects, some museums resisted. Includes: human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects have always been in museum collections 2) Requires all museums that receive federal funding to inventory sensitive materials and consult with Native American tribes and reach agreements on repatriation Requires native people show that requested items are "sacred objects" and prove that the museum doesn't have right to the object

Identify two early preservation projects in the U.S. and explain the historical context in which they were initiated.

1) New York State Legislature saved George Washington's revolutionary headquarters in Newburgh, NY due to pre-Civil War patriotic feelings; first historic house in U.S. 2) Mount Vernon- plantation home of George Washington; initiated by Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union (Ann Pamela Cunningham); women were very involved in historic preservation

Name and explain three factors that affect exhibit planning.

1) The collections affect the exhibit in that if they are sparse, loans and acquisitions are needed in order to complete the exhibit. Also, the museum may not give certain collections much importance so those collections will not be made into exhibitions, limiting the options of the museum. 2) Museum marketing and visitors affect the planning of exhibits because the museum wants to create exhibits that will attract new visitors. Exhibitions try to cater to the interests of many different kinds of people 3) Space and time affect exhibition planning in that museums have limited space and must plan based on the space availability and the best way to add novelty to attract new visitors and returning visitors. Time affects exhibitions in that museums need to plan based on peak times of attendance and what time of the year brings the most visitors.

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"; staffed with costumed interpreters who demonstrate occupations, daily life, etc. of the past 3) Historic houses- related to the life of a more or less famous individual or historical 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 museum- do not exist physically because it is impossible to bring together physical objects and is less expensive

Identify and explain the five museum acquisition methods in use today

1) gifts (donors approach the museum or vice versa) 2) purchases (at auctions, from collectors, dealers, etc.) 3) exchange or transfer between museums (inter-institutional transactions) 4) bequest (objects enter the museum collections after the death of the donor) 5) collection in the field (museum staff looks for objects in their original setting)

What are three characteristics of non-profit museums?

1) surplus funds not distributed to shareholders/ owners but used to advance the organization's goals 2) exists for the public good 3) are 501 (c) organizations: exempted from some federal income taxes, museum donations are tax deductible

Name and explain two advantages and two disadvantages of the museum exhibition as a medium of communication.

Advantages: 1) Facilitates a direct encounter between visitors and 3-D objects- it shows objects at full scale and objects can be viewed from different directions 2) Encourages the use of more human senses at once- it is a more effective way to convey information to the viewer and allows the use of additional interpretive materials in addition to objects to enhance the museum experience (hands-on displays, video, audio, etc.) Disadvantages: 1) Exhibitions have high production costs 2) Exhibitions have physical effects on viewers such as fatigue, so museum must plan spaces for benches/resting places; and viewers might not respond to the exhibition in the way that was planned.

Define cataloging, describe its purpose, and list the three basic types of cataloging information covered by all cataloging systems (include an example of each)

Cataloging=recording all available information in each object's pre-museum and museum life in the object's record Purpose: ensure the access to information about the museum's collection for research and interpretation; proof of accountability for the museum's property (each object has a unique record) All cataloging systems cover the same basic information on objects: 1) Physical Information- materials, color, shape, dimension, inscriptions, etc 2) Provenance Information- maker, date made, place made, prior owners other than donor- "pre-museum life" of the object 3) Registration Information- accession number, donor info, location in the museum, condition, appraisal, etc.- "museum life"

Define deaccessioning, give two examples of situations that can result in deaccessioning, and explain their disposal choice(s)

Deaccessioning=the removing accessioned objects from the museum's collections management system, legally and permanently Objects can result in deaccessioning: - deterioration of the object (destruction) - object might be a fake (transfer to a secondary collection for educational purposes or to another institution, or destruction) - object doesn't fit into museum's collecting policy (transfer to a secondary collection for education, transfer/exchange with another institution/ museum, destruction - object doesn't fit quality standards (sale of object)- ethical issues: AAM Code of Ethics- proceeds should be used towards acquiring other objects, buyers cannot be people affiliated with the museum - object has duplicates (sale, transfer, destruction) - object is the subject of repatriation laws (return to its rightful owner)

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?

High temperature causes air to hold more water vapors; lower temperature air holds less water vapors. If temperature drops, moisture condenses on non-porous objects or gets absorbed by porous objects. If temperature increases, air picks up moisture from objects. Both air humidity and air dryness damage objects. Ideal temperature: 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit Ideal relative humidity: 45%-60% (less than 40% static electricity builds up, organic materials dry out; more than 65% creates mold) Daily or seasonal fluctuations must be avoided. Achieved by: measuring using thermo hygrometers (indicators, recorders); controlled using air conditioning systems, humidifiers, dehumidifier

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 traveling exhibit?

I would consider hosting a traveling exhibit because it may have a lower cost associated with it since there are shared costs of production. Also, hosting a traveling exhibit could bring in more visitors to my museum looking to see this particular exhibit. I would not need to do additional advertising because publicity materials are already included with the exhibition package. However, other factors to consider are the space I have available at the museum for a new display and that visitors might be dissatisfied that certain museum objects will be away from the museum for a period of time. Having an exhibition already prepared eases the responsibility and time constraints of my small museum staff.

Describe the conservation phase in the process of planning an exhibit

In the conservation phase of planning an exhibit, the conservator prepares the condition report that explains the current condition of the object, recommends remedial conservation if the object needs immediate conservation effort or how the object will need to be cared for and used in the exhibit because some objects may be too fragile for display for long periods of time, and oversees the design of object mounts to support the object to ensure optimal visibility and to avoid concentration of physical stress in one area.

Define the collections management policy, identify the three main parts of it, and explain how it helps the systematic approach of museum collecting.

Institutional plan that governs all aspects of collections development, care, and use. Three main parts: 1) Collections Development 2) Collections Care 3) Collections Use Helps the systematic approach of museum collecting by ensuring that collections managers are in collaboration with other departments handling objects

Why and how do museums perform inventories?

Inventories= checking the physical location of all the objects that a museum has accessioned or borrowed from other museums/collections Purpose: security- deter and detect theft; review (if objects are being properly stored, object condition, if location info on the object record is reliable) Types: Comprehensive- all objects Spot Check- random samples of objects

Why is lighting crucial to the preventive care of objects? What are the recommended standards and how are they achieved?

Objects can be damaged from: concentrated heat, duration of exposure (damage from light is cumulative- long exposure to low intensity light has the same damaging effects as short exposure to high intensity light(, ultraviolet rays (combined with heat and humidity oxidizes objects) Many materials are sensitive to light: cellulose (wood, paper, and some textiles), organic materials (leather, bone, silk, ivory), paint pigments and coatings (all colors are likely to fade under continued exposure to light) Recommended maximum exposure: 50-200 lux Measured by using light meters; controlled by window protection (special glass, film shades, shutters, draperies/curtains, blinds) and low UV fluorescent tubes or protective sleeves for fluorescent tubes

What are the differences between preventive and remedial conservation?

Remedial care (restoration or consolidation): bringing the object as close as possible to its original appearance; uses reversible treatment methods and materials Preventive: the role of controlled environment; environment control as the main way to slow down object deterioration

The British Museum

Sir Hans Sloan gave his collection of ca. 70,000 objects to King George II 1753- First public museum; encouraged donations of private libraries by nobles; King George II donated his own library and the right to a copy of every book published in the country

Define museum registration and explain its two goals

The system that: 1) creates archival documentation for each transaction/ activity that involves museum objects 2) establishes the measures meant to ensure the legal status/ integrity of objects

Describe the factors that inform the decisions on the use of color and lighting in museum exhibition design

The use of lighting depends on the mood of the exhibition the designer wants to convey to the visitors, what is the optimal level of light for visitors to read the labels with ease, the light level that is best to ensure the conservation of the objects on display and to not damage them. Decisions on color rely on the general colors of the objects on display-common colors of objects suggest a color scheme in the exhibition, the associations and cultural symbolism of colors like the color blue representing water or cold temperatures, and the mood that the designer wishes to achieve in the exhibition

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 an emerging interest in American history and art: John Rockefeller Jr, Colonial Williamsburg- outdoor/living history became a new museum concept; focus on colonial elites; first large-scale themes historic attraction Henry Ford, Greenfield Village, Dearborn, Michigan- focus on agricultural, domestic, and industrial buildings

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; the shift took place after WW2; the transition involved a shift from a selling mode to a marketing mode Cause: 1) 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 2) 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