Description: This book is a unique and insightful resource for those planning to re-create a historic environment, other museum and history professionals, graduate students, and interested non-professionals. Detailed case studies appear throughout, along with practical tips, checklists, and source lists.
Brief description: Donna R. Braden retired from The Henry Ford, Dearborn, Michigan, after 45 years as a curator of domestic life, then of community and public life, and finally as senior curator overseeing the work of the entire curatorial staff. Currently she is an independent museum professional--contributing to the history museum field through curatorial practice, exhibition development, interpretive planning, writing, and mentorship of current and future museum practitioners.
Review Quotes:
"Braden's expertise and passion for her subject are evident. . . . Spaces that Tell Storiesexcels in showing how each step of creating a historical environment is critical, from planning to research to implementation. . . . Spaces that Tell Storiesis a must-read for anyone trying to create a historical environment from scratch, or for anyone looking for a refresher on best practices. Braden combines practical advice with a thorough background section and bibliography to create an indispensable resource for museum professionals, volunteers, and other interested in what makes a well-designed historical environment. I came away from reading excited to apply what I learned to my next project and enjoyed reading the work of someone so invested in connecting people with the past." --The Public Historian
"At a time when audiences are craving immersive, meaningful experiences, Donna Braden is ready to help history museums of all sizes share history in ways that meet those audience needs. This audience-focused approach permeates the book, providing expert and explicit guidance on how to develop your immersive experiences with meaning and integrity." --Susie Wilkening, Principal at Wilkening Consulting "This engaging guide by a veteran curator and exhibit developer methodically takes the reader step-by-step through the process of creating immersive historical spaces, replete with several successful, concrete examples from some of America's most innovative museums." --Tom Kelleher, historian, and curator of mechanical arts, Old Sturbridge Village "This book reminds us that history doesn't exist outside of the present, that a primary act of thinking historically is to recreate the past in the imagination. In practical, systematic examples and techniques grounded in learning theory, Braden shows how our museums and historic sites can stimulate high levels of engagement and understanding through rich, immersive experiences." --Daniel Spock, independent museum consultant