Why are small museums interesting and important?

Have you experienced museum fatigue? Perhaps you tried to see every exhibit because it was the only opportunity to visit the museum. Large museums require a physical effort, walking between exhibits, long periods of standing to view the exhibits, and the price of admission can be substantial. Museum studies have identified cognitive processing, and the museum environment (the arrangement of displays and exhibit architecture) among the factors believed responsible for museum fatigue. Sometimes the arrangement and number of displays overwhelms the visitor. Museum cafes and stores are not only revenue generators; they exist to alleviate the fatigued visitor.

Small museums offer visitors a different experience, size is an advantage. Some small museums have very specific mandates, usually indicated in the name of the museum, which further focuses their collection. They are ideal for a specialist, or a collector, and are especially good for people who tire easily. Often visitors will see artefacts they would seldom see in a large museum because the exhibits contain local historical objects. The Knight Templar exhibit at the Ailsa Craig Museum is rare. The stories of two local couples intertwine in this exceptional exhibit. The artefacts on display are impressive and deeply rooted in Ailsa Craig history. The photo above is one small part of the exhibit. Everyone should have a chance to see the Knight Templar uniform and learn the history behind the exhibit. Parking is free and the exhibit area is reasonable, chairs are available for visitors.

Small museums exist to collect community history, preserve photograph collections, and their volunteers are passionate about preserving community history. You might find a jumble of artefacts, interesting to look at, and curiosity inspiring. Some visitors look and ask questions or simply wander through the collection and leave with the memory of one or two significant exhibits or artefacts. If the museum contains collections of artefacts with which you are familiar, it is likely to be more interesting. If the artefacts are unfamiliar an interpreter is a big help.

Interpretation in a museum, large or small, introduces visitors to the history in the museum logically. An interpreter presents the history in the exhibit, answers questions and in general reduces visitor fatigue and enhances their experience. A guide will know the stories that make the exhibit meaningful. Some stories are heartbreaking, others are inspiring, some will amuse. Interpretation motivates visitors to engage with exhibits by asking questions, correcting misconceptions, and describing interesting content.

Why are small museums interesting and important? Because they raise public awareness of local heritage. Those who know their local history are well grounded. The Ailsa Craig Museum, open Monday to Friday 10 am to 2 pm and Sundays, 1 to 4 pm, tells the story of North Middlesex’s proud heritage.