Insider, Outsider Perspective and Violated Assumptions

What can you tell about how different the approaches are in these two books?

From reading the fist chapters in these two books, it’s apparent that the authors use different approaches in describing the history overview of historic Colonial museums. In Roth’s chapter it provides in-depth explanation of what goes on in the way museums operate and the different methods they use to bring their visitors into the time that they might be viewing. It was also explicit in defining the different terms of interpretations that is use when showing an exhibit, or reenacting an event. Handler’s first chapter was more on the history of Colonial Williamsburg’s. It discussed the basic architecture and funding for the museums. Its focused more on what the purpose of the museum is, which is to provide an educational pathway to the past for educators and the public. Compare to Roth’s Chapter Handler briefly discuss the concept of an interpreter, and reenactments.

Why does it matter?

The different approaches in both books matter because each focused on two different aspects of Colonial Museums, which at the end will give the reader a great understanding of the way history is presented in the present. By reading both of these chapters together the reader understand a concept that he may not have gotten from reading one book. For example Roth focuses on interpretation, while Handler forces on giving the reader the technical concept in historical museums.

Who are the insiders, who are the outsiders? How do you know? What does this mean?

The insiders are the interpreters that guide the visitors to the history of the museums and the event that is presented to them. The outsiders are the visitors, and educators who visit this museum with little knowledge about the history of the work. I understand this information from the basic knowledge of reading the first chapters in both books. It was clear that the “workers” in the museum were part of the key that keeps the history alive. Since I have only read the first chapters of these books I am not quiet sure what it means; but I can guess that as readers we will gain the history and knowledge that a museum has to offer. You will also be able to have a better appreciation for the work that is done in keeping history alive.