Department Chair
Andrew D. Nicholls, Ph.D., Professor of History
Date of Award
12-2015
Access Control
Open Access
Degree Name
History, M.A.
Department
History and Social Studies Education Department
Advisor
Cynthia Conides, Ph.D., Associate Professor of History and Program Coordinator of Museum Studies
Department Home page
http://history.buffalostate.edu/
First Reader
Cynthia Conides, Ph.D., Associate Professor of History and Program Coordinator of Museum Studies
Second Reader
Sonia Penaranda Gonzalez, M.A., Lecturer of History
Abstract
Drawing from the work of sensory historians, this paper will explore the importance of the senses in understanding one’s surroundings and define what qualifies as sensory experience in a museum setting. Through a combination of research and observations during museum visits, it explores examples of how each sense has been incorporated into museums and exhibits. It presents examples of immersive and interactive exhibits providing multi-sensory experiences, including examples of both effective and non-effective ways in which these elements have been used. It is the author’s premise that the museum should remain artifact-centered, and sensory elements should be used to supplement, not replace, collections. Any sensory or interactive element used should provide context for the objects. However, it is desirable for museums to utilize whatever elements possible, including replicas, to try and recreate the sensations and sensory experiences of the past for visitors.
Recommended Citation
Reden, Naomi, "Sensory History and Multisensory Museum Exhibits" (2015). History Theses. 34.
https://digitalcommons.buffalostate.edu/history_theses/34
