Kalamazoo Valley Museum Interpretive Hour Kalamazoo Valley Museum
-
- Society & Culture
-
Vignetted case studies on the field of interpretation, all interconnected to explore bigger themes. The podcast provides engaging, thoughtful, quality, meaningful, and inclusive content on the field of interpretation to adult museum and park professionals, volunteers, goers, and students through open conversation between moderators and professionals on various facets of the interpretative profession.
-
Enola Gay Revisited
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.
-
2020 Retrospective
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.
-
American Children's Museums
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.
-
American Living History Museums
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.
-
Planetariums: Interpreting the Universe
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.
-
Approaches in Difficult Histories
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.