A Blank Canvas: Creating Museum Exhibits

People often ask us where we get the objects we have on display during special exhibits like our current exhibit The Evolution of Recorded Sound. It is always an adventure when we use mainly loaned objects instead of items we have in our collection for an exhibit. It is like starting with a blank canvas and searching out the perfect colors and texture to create the masterpiece you have in your head. 

Most of the time, we simply put an article in the papers, advertise on our website and Facebook page, and use word of mouth to search out objects.  We rely on the kindness of strangers to make our vision come alive.  It is never as simple as getting a phone call and picking up an item for loan though.  It is a process of hearing the story behind the object, learning about its life and where it has been and how it came to be with its current owner.

We also meet some interesting people along the way. One gentleman was still in his pajamas, drinking his morning coffee, when we showed up at our designated time of 11:00 am. We have been offered all kinds of beverages, food, and garden produce. We have been taken on tours of basements, attics and outbuildings.  But without fail, we have been welcomed into every home with enthusiasm and made to feel like family. It is our great responsibility to take care of the treasures that are put in our custody, and it is a privilege to share the story of these objects.