In 1994; when the National Air and Space Museum announced plans to display the Enola Gay; the B-29 sent to destroy Hiroshima with an atomic bomb; the ensuing political uproar left the museums parent Smithsonian Institution entirely unprepared. As the largest such complex in the world; the Smithsonian cares for millions of objects and has displayed everything from George Washingtons sword to moon rocks to Dorothyrsquo;s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz. Why did this particular object arouse such controversy? From an insiderrsquo;s perspective; Robert C. Postrsquo;s Who Owns Americarsquo;s Past? offers insight into the politics of display and the interpretation of history.Never before has a book about the Smithsonian detailed the recent and dramatic shift from collection-driven shows; with artifacts meant to speak for themselves; to concept-driven exhibitions; in which objects aim to tell a story; displayed like illustrations in a book. Even more recently; the trend is to show artifacts along with props; sound effects; and interactive elements in order to create an immersive environment. Rather than looking at history; visitors are invited to experience it. Who Owns Americarsquo;s Past? examines the different ways that the Smithsonianrsquo;s exhibitions have been conceived and designedmdash;whether to educate visitors; celebrate an important historical moment; or satisfy donor demands or partisan agendas. Post gives the reader a behind-the-scenes view of internal tempests as they brewed and how different personalities and experts passionately argued about the best way to present the story of America.
#1743164 in eBooks 2012-08-16 2014-02-14File Name: B00FF76WO6
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I received my book right away and in good condition. Just love the book and am already ...By roszelleI received my book right away and in good condition. Just love the book and am already doing the exercises that are given. They are described clearly and are easy to follow. Very happy with this book. Thanks so much.3 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Class book purchaseBy OutlinednchalkI purchased this book as a required reading for a college course. I enjoyed the exercises provided in the text but only read the rest of the book because I was expected to. Would probably be good for an actor or theatre studies student; which I am not. Decent read.