What do people want from history exhibits?

In 2002-3, the Connecticut Historical Society wanted to find out what potential visitors say they want to experience, feel, do, or think about in a history museum. We hired a firm (SonicRim) that tests consumers before new products or store designs are put in place. The firm searched for patterns in audience wishes, and focused on the experience as a whole, not specific features of a design or exhibition.

The research boiled down to a few simple ideas. People want to:

• Strengthen their connection to the world around them.
• Cultivate a sense of comfort in who they are in the midst of a seemingly chaotic world.
• Discover inspiration from exploring the nature, culture, and creativity that surrounds them.
• Understand the present with an appreciation for the influence of the past.
• Make good use of time with family.

Thinking about these results can help museums choose topics and display collections to provide fun and meaning for visitors.

To see the findings from the CHS SonicRim study put into action, visit Connecticut's Old State House and check out the "History Is All Around Us" exhibition in the Mortenson Gallery.