Online Course: Developing Exhibitions: Design (Summer 2021)

  • Registration Closed

Session FULL

Please note the Summer Session of Developing Exhibitions: Design is now full. If you would like to be placed on the waiting list for the Summer Session, email learn@aaslh.org. Visit our 2021 course schedule for upcoming sessions of this course.

An AASLH Small Museum Pro! Online Course

Course Description

Developing Exhibitions: Design is an online course about how to design exhibitions. Guided by an expert instructor and supported by cooperative student learning, participants will design an actual exhibit. Participants will decide what their exhibit will be about and why, identify its storyline ideas and organizing concepts, and decide on its look and feel.

Throughout the course, participants will complete readings from the required textbook, review supplemental examples and case studies posted to the course site, and conduct an exhibit critique. Whether participants come to the course with an imaginary exhibit in mind, or with the intention to develop an actual exhibit, this course will guide them through each step, providing encouragement and guidance along the way and a chance to exchange ideas and experiences.

Each week participants will be expected to:

  • Study materials directly within the online class site;
  • Find other resources on the web or in the community and share them with the class;
  • Share your own knowledge, experience and resources with the class; and
  • Complete one or more exhibit-development assignments and share your work with the class.

Details

SESSION DATES: June 7 - August 1, 2021

COST: $195 AASLH Members / $295 Nonmembers

OPEN REGISTRATION: March 1 - May 24, 2021; 30 participant limit

NOTE: Developing Exhibitions: Planning is no longer a prerequisite for this course, though may prove useful in preparation.

Course Logistics

FORMAT: Online, Instructor-led, Weekly-paced course

LENGTH: 8 weeks

PARTICIPATION: Students should expect to spend approximately 5 hours per week on readings, text-based forum discussions, and assignments

LIVE ZOOM DISCUSSIONS: We recommend downloading the Zoom mobile or desktop app for this course. 

  • A one-hour live Zoom discussion will be held in Week 4 and Week 7 
  • Final dates/times will be determined by the instructor at the start of the course 
  • Zoom discussions are recorded in case a participant is unable to attend the live sessions

MATERIALS:

  • Required text: Exhibit Makeovers, A Do-It-Yourself Workbook for Small Museums, Second Edition, by Alice Parman, Ann Craig, Lyle Murphy, Liz White, and Lauren Willis, 2017.
  • Texts are NOT INCLUDED with registration. Participants must order the book separately from the book seller of their choice. A discount code is provided after registration.

TECHNOLOGY: Participants will need access to internet and a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet to participate in this course. For the live Zoom discussions, we recommend having access to a camera and a headset, earpods, or other audio and microphone device. Automatic captioning is available in the Zoom discussions.

CREDIT: Successful completion of this course (80% or higher) will earn one credit toward the Small Museum Pro! certificate from AASLH.

Participant Outcomes

At the end of the class, participants will:

  • Have firsthand, guided experience with a proven, step-by-step process for planning exhibits;
  • Have experience with tools that will assist you in exhibit planning for your museum;
  • Be familiar with other resources for more information; and
  • Have a network of small-museum professionals with whom to confer on future exhibits.

Who Should Take This Course

This course is a beginning level course designed for professional staff and volunteers of historical organizations and libraries who have little to no experience with exhibit development and design. Developing Exhibitions: Planning is no longer a prerequisite for this course, though may prove useful in preparation.

How to Register

Click here for instructions on how to register yourself or another user for this event. 

Margaret Middleton

Online Course Instructor

Margaret Middleton (they/them) is an independent exhibit designer and museum consultant with a BFA in industrial design from the Rhode Island School of Design and over 15 years of museum experience. Their writing about the intersection of museum work and social justice has appeared in publications including Exhibition (NAME), Dimensions (ASTC), and Museum magazine (AAM). In 2014 Middleton developed the popular Family Inclusive Language Chart.

Components visible upon registration.

Cancellation/Refunds for onsite workshops must be submitted in writing via email to learn@aaslh.org or mail to 2021 21st Ave S., Suite 320 Nashville, TN 37212. Cancellations made prior to the early-bird registration deadline date will receive a full refund. Cancellations made between the early-bird deadline date and eight days prior to the workshop will be subject to a $55 processing/materials charge. No refunds will be given within seven days of the workshop date. AASLH is not responsible for cancellations that were mailed or emailed but never received.

Cancellations/Refunds for online professional development (webinars and online courses) must be submitted in writing via email to learn@aaslh.org or mail to 2021 21st Ave S., Suite 320 Nashville, TN 37212. Cancellations made prior to the start date for the online course or the day of the webinar will be given a full refund. No refund will be given after the start date for the online course or on/after the day of the webinar. Registrants may transfer their registration to another person. Registrations cannot be transferred between courses or course sessions. AASLH is not responsible for cancellations that were mailed or emailed but never received.

If you have any questions, please contact AASLH Professional Development staff at learn@aaslh.org or 615-320-3203.