American Living History Museums

In 1945, the American B-29 bomber “Enola Gay” deployed an atomic weapon on the city of Hiroshima. The history and memories surrounding this event are continually contentious, so much so, that in the 1990s, a Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum exhibit saw a media frenzy due to its representation. In this episode, Jacob and Gray revisit this interpretive issue. They consider the controversy, multiple perspectives, personal opinions, and how those in interpretation can learn from it.

The team reflects upon the creation of the podcast and considers its development for the future. In order to achieve this, Jacob and Gray interview several figures who made the podcast possible.

Jacob and Gray learn by play. They look at different children’s museums in Brooklyn, Indianapolis, Boston, and Philadelphia. These institutions have great social impact, educational benefits, and engagement - all of which Jacob and Gray consider.

Jacob and Gray investigate the American living history museum through four case studies. From these examples, they ponder upon the pros and cons of the practice, and how it can grow.

Jacob and Gray explore the global history of planetariums, the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, and the Hayden Planetarium in New York City. Following this, they interview the Kalamazoo Valley Museum’s planetarium technologist Steven Crawford and presenter/interpreter Tamara Bakr. Finally, they consider various innovations and changes in the practice.

Jacob and Gray confront difficult memories at historic sites across the globe. They provide information and opinions on how to approach these tumultuous and traumatic histories.

Jacob and Gray interpret the unknown and mysterious. Interpretation Specialist, Garrett Sander, joins the team for a spooky quickfire. The team then observes current practices and considers the field’s development.

Jacob and Gray explore American environmental and ecological issues both historically and presently. Interpretation specialist, Wesley VanderWeg, talks about interpreting pollution and oil spills on the Kalamazoo River.

Jacob and Gray introduce the podcast, explore early interpretation, and outline some of its core guiding theories for practice.

Trailer