Striking the Balance: Access vs. Preservation in Museums

Innovative educational strategies have revolutionized how art and artifacts are presented to diverse audiences, as a variety of communication styles and learning preferences are considered. Programs that incorporate touch experience, adaptive exhibition environments, and interactive digital encounters relay the story for all. Even the work of conservators and museum professionals may be presented as part of the storytelling, as creative approaches to accessibility and collections care evolve. Yet, these approaches may seem at odds with preservation. The need for accessibility in museums requires a delicate balance between preservation and making materials available and understandable to a large audience with diverse needs. Strategies for promoting access with responsible stewardship is the focus of this conference.

This two-day conference includes the opportunity to explore interactive exhibits and a new special exhibition, Cost of Revolution: The Life and Death of an Irish Soldier, at the Museum of the American Revolution.

Topics include:

• Touch programs with preservation handling
• ADA considerations in house museums
• Conservation on exhibit
• Digitization for accessibility
• Giving access to university museum students

For a full agenda, click here.

Cost:

$275 - CCAHA or M*AR Members

$300 - Non-members

Click below to register:

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Funding for this program has been generously provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities, with additional support from the Independence Foundation, the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, The Philadelphia Cultural Fund, and the William Penn Foundation.