tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2931042383463966050.post5121320111428289574..comments2024-03-28T11:15:57.026-04:00Comments on The Uncataloged Museum: What Really Happens Out on Those Guided Tours?Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02833927749919826650noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2931042383463966050.post-19313234861512837032010-12-01T10:44:04.577-05:002010-12-01T10:44:04.577-05:00Hi Ron--
I chose to focus on the guide presentatio...Hi Ron--<br />I chose to focus on the guide presentations in this post for exactly the reasons you mentioned--it's a big issue at every site. Actually, the reports also focused on the interpretation and what the take-away was, but I think this connecting space where the docent/guide lives is critical and you're right--no easy answers!<br />Thanks for commenting.<br />LindaLindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02833927749919826650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2931042383463966050.post-83072848568245919062010-12-01T10:09:20.386-05:002010-12-01T10:09:20.386-05:00It struck me that most of the comments related to ...It struck me that most of the comments related to the style or quality of the guide, rather than the information they presented. The time, money and effort dedicated to creating an imaginative interpretation plan can be wasted (overstating a bit, perhaps) if visitors encounter a guide who is poorly trained, ill-prepared, or simply not the right type of person for the job. Yet for historic house museums, especially small and volunteer run organizations, finding, training, and retaining quality guides can be difficult if not impossible. The comments make it clear that while the docent can be the strong link in a carefully prepared interpretation plan, they are at least just as often the weak link. There is no easy solution to this problem. While I believe that a human connection between the stuff and stories of a house is important, I wonder if we are risking too much to entrust visitor engagement and sustainability to such a variable factor.Ron Potvinnoreply@blogger.com