Experiential Education in the American History Museum 1767-2007

This work defines experiential education, outlining its philosophical roots and characteristics. A plethora of examples of hands-on activities and role-play from diverse American history museums, ranging from outdoor museums to a single shelf in a town hall and from the famous to the obscure, give the reader a sense of what has been done. Contemporary practitioners urge the use of experience in this economy to capture museum guests as cultural venues' attendance declines. The struggle to include all cultures in the American museum is documented, contrasting true inclusion of point of view with celebration of customs and costumes. Historical context is explored by decades. The appendix holds interviews with 15 important museum educators, one National Park Service Ranger, and one exhibit developer who were early adopters of experiential learning. In a world of virtual reality, shouldn't people also make room for real experiences of action, sensory experience, emotion, and social interaction? This work says a resounding "yes."