Can we bring chemistry back? Exploring the potential of "gateway artifacts" at the Science History Institute

Cole, David Allen

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/128609 Copy

Description

Title

Can we bring chemistry back? Exploring the potential of "gateway artifacts" at the Science History Institute

Author(s)

Cole, David Allen

Issue Date

2022-01-01

Keyword(s)

• Chemistry
• History
• Museums

Abstract

For decades, science museums in Europe and America have been reducing the exhibition space they allocate to the presentation of historical chemical artifacts. This paper discusses several factors behind this concerning phenomenon, including changes to science museum revenue models, shifts in those museums’ target audience profiles and interests, and the lack of aesthetic appeal exhibited by many chemical artifacts. It argues that the relative absence of these artifacts in museum displays deprives audiences of opportunities for unique, non-text-based learning experiences in settings that are especially conducive to engaging with material culture. The paper concludes by advocating for the design of single object "gateway artifact" exhibits that encourage museum visitors to examine and interrogate chemical artifacts from multiple perspectives; such exhibits could catalyze audience interest in the history of chemistry and provide museum visitors with critical tools for "unpacking" the scientific artifacts they encounter in museums and in their daily lives.

Publisher

Division of the History of Chemistry

ISSN

1053-4385

Type of Resource

text

Genre of Resource

article

Language

eng

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/128609

DOI

https://doi.org/10.70359/bhc2022v047p043

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2022 Division of the History of Chemistry

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