Evaluating the Impact of Augmented and Virtual Reality
“I am perfectly astonished at the effect.” “The thrilling scenes therein depicted are beyond description.” “It is true and really wonderful.” These are reactions from visitors to the Chicago Fire Cyclorama, who, in 1892, were captivated by …
10 Best Practices of Accessible Museum Websites
This article explores ten high-impact areas you should consider to enhance your website’s accessibility and bring it into conformance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), the set of rules and practices that aims to define …
For Post-Pandemic Success, Get Creative with Distributed Museum Models
As the global pandemic has put a halt to in-person visitation for much of 2020 and brought long-held planning and operational models into question, museum leaders across the country have been grappling with challenges of how to prepare for …
Digital Tools for Pandemic Times
Almost all US museums closed during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. While a few reopened by summer, many decided to remain shuttered for the entire year, and often for these museums the only way to engage with the …
The Keys to Sustainable Online Programming? Partnerships and Professional Development
Recently, I’ve been analyzing the efficacy of museum-developed digital programs over their thirty-year history, and I’ve noticed a common theme: Every study extols the benefits of such programs, including increased outreach and engagement …
Don’t Be Surprised, Be an Ally: Better Security Planning for Virtual Programs
It was my ninth virtual program of the COVID era that prompted this essay. The first eight had gone relatively well. After some low numbers and awkward silences early on, later events exceeded attendance and engagement expectations. The …
The UniDescription Project Breaks Down Common Barriers to Media Accessibility
National Park Service sites are generally grand and iconic American places for us to gather, commune with nature, tell important stories about our country’s past, and celebrate our togetherness. They are intended to be widely open to the …
Outside > Inside: Outdoor Exhibitions in the Era of COVID and Black Lives Matter
A doctor friend recently shared a social media post listing a five-point coronavirus plan: Masks Close bars Socially distance Test & isolate Outside > inside Like her, it was matter-of-fact, succinct, and assured. But the “Outside …
How Museums Can Generate Revenue Through Digital Content and Virtual Experiences
Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic forced museums of all kinds to close their doors, many have responded by shifting their attention to engaging audiences through virtual and remote channels. Through social media initiatives, virtual tours, …
Digital Gold: Queering Flat Spaces
As museums address issues of access to collections, galleries, and education during COVID-19, many have chosen to shift to a digital space to connect with the public and continue their missions as community and cultural institutions. As a …
