The DIA
I recently visited the DIA for the first time, though I've been a resident of Wayne County for a while. It was a great experience and I definitely plan on returning again soon, maybe even this summer. The fact that the museum is free to Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb County residents is extremely beneficial to the community. It allows for community members to come visit and utilize the museum no matter their financial situation, all we had to do was show our state I.D. to prove we were legal residents of the county.

Another thing that reflected the DIA's focus on the community was an exhibit they had called D-cyphered. This exhibit showcased portraits of local Detroit rappers, both big names and not so mainstream artists. There also was an accompanying book in the exhibit which explained the artist's story and the story of the exhibit. Not only did this exhibit try to engage the public through the use of local artists, it also attracted visitors who may not have necessarily been interested in the museum to begin with. My boyfriend was in heaven in this exhibit because he knew of the majority of the artists, and many of them do not often get public recognition for their talent, so it was a great experience for him to see them being recognized while representing the city as a collective group. Along with the visual aids provided in the exhibit, the music of the artists was also being played in the gallery room, which could be a way to spark the interest of someone who did not know of those artists originally.

Overall it was a great exhibit that reflected the DIA's community and intended audience.
Also, the people working at the museum were great. There were workers or volunteers walking around the museum all the time, so if you had a question or got lost you could easily ask for help. They also had some people surveying visitors about possible labels, and they rewarded those who participated with a free DIA postcard. It was a great feeling to know that the museum cared about the visitors' opinions and actively seek those opinions out. Overall my experience at the DIA was outstanding, though it is a very large and dense museum to try and get through in one day. I highly recommend visiting, but do not expect to be able to see and remember everything in your first visit.

The Discovery Museum, was probably one of the best children focused museum I’ve been to. I decided to visit it on April 29 . When you first walk in there a desk right there so you know right where to go, to the left they have a banquet room for parties and such so it’s nice and easy to fine, everyone I talked to was super nice and very helpfully in explain what each exhibit taught the kids and which age group it fit the best. Which is extremely helpful. They have so many exhibits that its almost overwhelming when you first walk in. the first one we noticed was a bee hive that had many bee info card which I though was super cool because of what is going on with honey bees today. The nest room we noticed was all about light and how it passes through object which is neat and it gave the kids a chance to be creative and make patterns in a peg board. The exhibit just to the left of that was based on nasa which I think any kid can agree is super cool. The two other exhibits I really liked where the climb wall, which was exactly what it sounds like it was a room where the kids could climb across the wall and it had a space theme. The other exhibit was a Japanese themed house which I really thought could be beneficial in teaching kids about new cultures.

This museum had a really nice flow it just pushed you from exhibit to exhibit, and everything was still open so if you wanted to circle back you wanted to. Then naturally your experienced ended in the gift shop which had some cool stuff they even had stuff for the parents to look at and purchase. 

Overall this museum was not difficult to find nor navigate through, and I would defiantly recommend it to anyone with kids looking for something to do in the area 

            

Historical Museum of Bay County works closely with community

On the 20th of this month, I visited the Historical Museum of Bay County in Bay City, MI. The museum has worked closely with the tribes in the area to produce an accurate, non-offensive representation of their history. One of the first exhibits visitors see is a representation of a Native American medicine wheel. The wheel itself would be too big to fit in the museum’s space so mirrors are used to give the illusion of a full circle. An important component of a medicine wheel, besides the four quarters, is a grandfather stone in the center of the circle. With the mirrors, 4 stones are visible in the reflection instead of just one. Museum staff were concerned that this major flaw would upset the tribes members they were working with but when the tribe came through the museum, it was declared that the medicine wheel the museum had constructed wasn’t a wheel at all. The staff were relieved as this meant their representation could still be understood by visitors but would not offend the Native Americans whose story they were trying to tell. The local tribe also constructed the section of wigwam on display and many different artifacts used in hands on programs at the museum. In museums there is a certain give and take between the museum and its visitors and the museum and the communities it interacts with. The tribal relations at the Historical Museum of Bay County are a prime example of these different relationships that one can find at institutions both big and small. 

Historical Museum of Bay County
Medicine Wheel Exhibit
Photo by: JoAnna Lincoln

Holocaust Museum

        I went to the Holocaust Museum in Farmington Hills, Michigan. It was a very surreal experience. There were a lot of emotions while going through this museum. I had previously gone to the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C.. This had a very similar feel to it, it was somber and it did an amazing job at evoking emotion just by using their collection. I am not sure if they took direct inspiration from the museum in D.C but it was almost as intense. It was considerably smaller then the one in D.C but they capture the same experience. The staff was very knowledgeable and extremely respectful. I do honestly know if I could do what they do, they were really amazing
Another big thing I noticed was how accessible it was. I don’t know if there would have been a single thing that someone with disabilities couldn’t do. Even the exhibit labels were at a really good height which I feel gets overlooked in a lot of museums. I noticed a person in a wheel chair be able to wheel right up to the labels and not have any problem reading them. I think the one issue that people could have would just be that there is so many strong emotions that you feel. It was at times really hard to make it through. Overall I would recommend going, just for the history. It gives you perspective which is so important.

Applewood Estate

       I visited the Applewood Estate in Flint, Michigan. I actually did the tour while they were closed so it was a one on one tour which made it very interesting and insightful. As far as community impact Applewood is a top notch organization. They are owned and ran by the Mott Foundation which is very well known for their philanthropy. They have specific programs that are designed to engage the community and leave a lasting impression. They also just opened to the public in 2016 so they are just starting to seriously do public programming. This will make their community impact even larger than it already is.
One of their most successful public programs that they just recently started was their “story time program”. It promotes active reading and learning within a community that is plagued with an literacy problem. This is just a small sample of what they have planned for the future of their community outreach. Another important thing to remember is that unlike most museums that are just starting out dealing with the public, their connection to the Mott foundation allows them to put down roots quickly. The Motts are very well known in Flint and are very generous. This has continued with their organization, and Applewood is able to tap into that.

Museum Review: Ziibiwing Center

Last week I visited the Ziibiwing Center in Mt. Pleasant. It was an incredible museum and I learned a lot about the history and culture of the represented Native American tribes. The museum’s exhibits were wonderfully arranged, informational and interactive. It was thought provoking for me to see first hand the impacts colonization had on the tribes, and how it is still affecting them today. The museum has a strong community connection because of the close proximity and affiliation with Mt. Pleasant and CMU. Many community members were featured in exhibits in pictures and videos, and there was an entire section of the museum that was dedicated to the younger generations of tribe members in school. I thought that the museum was very eye opening and that everyone in Mt. Pleasant should visit to get a new perspective on tolerance, diversity and respect to others and to nature.

As far as accessibility goes, the museum could use some improvement. Some areas of the museum were very narrow, so I imagine that people with wheelchairs or other special physical needs would have some difficulty navigating and fully experiencing some exhibits. The signage in the museum definitely could have been better; it was unclear where to go when first entering the museum and some exhibit labels were hard to find as well. The movie playing in the theatre did not have subtitles, and I also did not notice any Braille. However, there were lots of audio/video recordings throughout the museum that were related to the exhibit. That is good for people with visual and auditory issues, but in my opinion the recordings were played way too loud, which made it harder to focus on reading and having conversations. I also did not see any staff members in the museum except for the two or three people in the front, who were very friendly and welcoming.

Ziibiwing Visit

Ever since my first introduction to the vast amount of native American culture in mount pleasant I have wanted to visit the Ziibiwing Center, however school and work made it difficult until this past weekend where I was finally able to go. You can see the community involvement from the beginning with bricks with donor names leading you to the front door. It was all level and had wheelchair access doors so people with those issues could get into the building. However, once inside it wasn’t clear at first where to go, there was a gift shop to the left and the exhibit strait ahead, but no desk or sign stating you had to pay until you got the door the exhibit which told you that you must pay to enter. This made me confused and if I hadn’t read the door I would not have see that I needed to pay. Once inside the exhibit however it was very much apparent how large the community involvement was from community items on display to videos that involved community members. They even had art projects from students who where are part of the tribe in the exhibits. It was also very accessible for the most part there were some areas where it was a little tight and people with wheelchairs may have had an issue. Overall, I really enjoyed my visit and would gladly go back to the Ziibiwing Center.

Ziibiwing Center

Visiting the Ziibiqing Center is something I have wanted to do since I first started attending Central Michigan. I have always enjoyed learning about Native American history, and I think it is so cool that we are exposed to so much of the culture by attending school here. I finally got around to visiting, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. The city of Mount Pleasant isn't exactly a hot destination so I didn't expect the museum to be large and breathtaking. Although the center is on the smaller side, it is definitely packed with information. After wandering through the exhibits and reading/listening to everything, the impact it left on me was great. I learned a lot about the tribes in Michigan and the history of how they got here. I think all students that go to Central should be required to visit the center in order to really understand the significance of the land in Mount Pleasant. Many students don't know the half of what the Native Americans had to go through, and I think it would be very beneficial for more people to take the time out of their day to visit the center. As for the people/presence of museum staff during my visit, there was definitely a lack in that department. I had to seek out the employees, which I found kind of annoying. I think more workers should be present and able to answer questions and help people out.

The accessibility of the center was just OK in my opinion. The walkways and entry ways were large, but there wasn't really anything special to cater to people who may have special needs. Most of the exhibits are positioned in a good enough way that people are able to get close, but I'm not sure a wheelchair could work in every situation. I think in order to increase the accessibility, the museum would need to expand. I know that may not be in the budget, but in the future it could be very beneficial to expand the museum to cater to all audiences.

Ziibiwing Center Review

I recently visited the Ziibiwing Center here in Mount Pleasant. First thing, it is a very inspiring and amazing institution. Even though it is smaller in scale, it does a wonderful job bringing to light the history of Native Americans in Michigan. The exhibits show a progression of the situation and ways of life in Native Americans in Michigan. The exhibits themselves a very well setup and do the very best to be interactive and educational. Most of the exhibits when I walked by would start playing some sort of audio recording as well as natural ambiance, it was very relaxing to say the least. The staff were very friendly and professional and answered every single question I had. The Museum hosts a wide variety of different events that highlight Native American History and culture. This year alone they are hosting over eleven different events, all of which the public are welcomed to attend. When I visited this weekend there was an event taking place although I cannot remember the name of it. It appeared to be a movie viewing or a documentary followed by a discussion of various directors and Tribal leaders of the museum. The small size may have one disadvantage, that being that it may make it difficult for physically handicapped people to move around within the museum, however the museum is easily accessible to those who are in wheelchairs, etc. Overall I really enjoyed my visit to the museum, the exhibits were very educational and interactive, the staff was incredibly helpful, and they seem to do a lot for the community and for the local tribes of Michigan. I would recommend this museum to anyone considering visiting a museum in Mount Pleasant.

Being Conflicted at the National Air and Space Museum

After years of saving, I finally found myself in Washington D.C. Akin to a kid in a candy store, I found myself racing around to as many museums as I could, attempting to visit as much of the famous Smithsonian as humanly possible. While each was a treat, I would like to talk about the Smithsonian that made me think the most.

The National Air and Space museum has incredible flow to it. Due to the large amount of space needed to house such enormous machines, the museum feels massive and open. Having just come from the intentionally claustrophobic Holocaust Memorial Museum, the towering ceiling and wide walkways were refreshing, allowing several large groups to pass by me with ease as I stared up at a space shuttle. Despite the large amount of open area, the flow of the exhibits was never interrupted. Each exhibition had a clear and concise path for visitors to follow with multiple exits and alternative options such as elevators for those who needed them. As well, the exits conveniently led to another exhibit allowing a continuous flow through the eras of flight, along with a direct path back to the massive main area. Even with its sheer size, I never became lost which is a testament to excellent design.

There is absolutely no denying how important the Smithsonian museums are to D.C.; each year they alone attract thousands, if not more, tourists to the nation’s capital. That being said, I did not feel the same sense of community as with the Spy Museum I previously visited. While everything was there to meet or go above AAM standards, the museum felt very much like its own institution, not part of the city. Within the walls there was little mention of events going on elsewhere in the city, there was plenty of staff, but most available were either security with little knowledge of the contents or clerks chained to the gift shop.

Perhaps I’m more of a small museum type of guy, because while a must visit museum, the National Air and Space Museum lacked many of the finer, more communal touches that make museums special to me.

Gerald R. Ford Museum

I have recently visited the Gerald R. Ford museum in Downtown Grand Rapids. While this is a museum I have visited before, and am quite familiar with (due to the fact I am from GR), I made sure to look at it with a new perspective. The layout of the museum is very unique. One of my favorite parts about it, is the entrance. There is a large fountain that from time to time has different art pieces displayed in the water. When you walk through the actual doors, you are greeted in a small lobby, followed by a large piece of the Berlin Wall. It is a unique entrance and I think the layout is cool. On the first floor of the museum, there isn't a whole lot to look at. The purpose of this floor, from what I gathered, is to hold receptions or parties, not for displaying a whole lot of artifacts. The accessibility to get from the main floor to the second floor is pretty good. There is a large staircase, located right next to large elevators that can fit many people as well as wheelchairs. Other than those amenities, I didn't see too many other things that stuck out to me.

The second floor of the museum is what really makes the museum special. Right at the top of the stairs, there is a recreation of the Oval Office/conference room. As a kid I remember this room because I thought it was so cool that I could "be in the oval office". I think the museum did a great job of adding this feature in because it really lets children and adults alike experience what it would be like to be in the White House. Among the other things on display on the second floor, there is a few of Betty Ford's favorite gowns, football gear from when Ford played for U of M, some of Ford's baby toys, and other things of that nature. What made my trip different this time was that I tried to look at everything through the eyes of a museum worker. Based on different things we have learned in class, I was able to notice/pick up on things that the average person might not think about when visiting a museum.

Rockford Area Historical Museum review

Over spring break I visited and met with people at the Rockford Area Historical museum in Rockford Michigan. The museum itself is very small as it is a local museum. The museum has two sides of displays, one is more focused on the "nature" of the town both past and present. The other is more focused on the history of the town itself. The mission of the museum is to preserve the history of the town and teach future generations the history of the area. The have a number of artifacts that are donated to them, and that they have collected over the years to help tell the story of the town. Overall the museum is very nice. The staff is very friendly and will answer any question visitors may have. They do things very well, they are very community oriented, once a year they have children from the local elementary school come in and do tours through the museum, they help to coordinate events in the city, and work hard to document the history of the town. The small size could hinder the ability of physically disabled peoples to easily tour the facility. They are accessible for people with disabilities and people in wheel chairs but being a smaller institution may make it harder for someone who is in a wheelchair, etc. to get around. Overall the museum was a very nice institution that does a great deal for the city it is located. They do a lot to work with the community and get them involved and I would recommend anyone to go and visit this museum.

Michigan Historical Museum

Over the long break, I went to 3 museums in Lansing. I went to the Capitol, the Michigan Historical Museum and the RE Olds Transportation Museum. I am focusing on the accessibility of the MHM and the REOM. The Capitol I don't really consider a museum, even though it is but I'm ignoring it for these purposes. The accessibility of the MHM was wonderful. The areas between the different exhibits were large enough for people with a wheelchair or stroller to get through. I also liked the way that elevators were everywhere. There wasn't a spot when one had to backtrack in order to get to a different part of the museum, they all were in good locations and big enough for people to get in and out of. The exhibits themselves were good, I thought they had a nice balance between the pictures and the words on the labels. One could read more in depth if they wanted to but they didn't have to. The pictures and brief captions were enough to understand what was happening in the exhibit. the labels also didn't have too complex of words or anything and were easy and big to read.
However, the RE Olds Transportation Museum was a museum that one could tell had limited funds. The labels were all different and small at times. One had to bend to read most of them and sometimes the exhibits were just there with no interpretation within, it was simply just objects. Also, most of the museum was cars, which is ok but it wasn't easy to see them and get around. The museum lacked information overall, but the cars were well labeled I believe. The only problem was in some spots there was no room to get between the cars, and if you are in a wheelchair or can't walk well, you are stuck looking at the front of the car which was unfortunate. Lastly, some of the cars were high, so if people were short or in a wheelchair they may not have been able to look inside the car and see the fabric within. That, however, I have no solution for because it's not their fault that cars aren't built in a specific way. But overall, the museum was enjoyable, just not friendly in some aspects.

Community and The International Spy Museum

During my Spring Break I travelled to Washington D.C. so I could finally visit the Smithsonians and get a taste of large-scale museums, other than the Henry Ford. However, a significantly smaller institution, rather than a large complex, fell in line with what we have been talking about in class. I feel that the International Spy Museum in D.C. has a large community impact on the city, especially for being a smaller institution.

One such way is the large amount of staff available to a visitor. The museum is a twisting, turning, pseudo-maze to make a visitor feel like a secret agent infiltrating a base. However, this design never becomes a problem as at least one staff member is posted in each gallery to help direct the flow. The staff that I encountered were also very polite and helpful, answering questions that the other guests and I would ask. They never felt as if they were lurking over your shoulder, but they also never seemed inattentive or bored. This kind of balance seems difficult to strike, but due to it I stayed even more engaged while walking through the galleries.

Another means of building a community aspect was how involved the museum seemed to be in the city. The front desk where you buy tickets was littered with both spy memorabilia and fliers for current events. Advertised there were events going on within the museum, events at other museums in the city, and also assorted events all around D.C., from poetry readings to local sporting events. Since the people I was attending with were also tourists we asked about what else we should do while in town, and the receptionist pointed us to more local, community events rather than common tourist traps.

Not only is the International Spy Museum an entertaining and highly interactive museum, but it is also an establishment that promotes great customer service and community events. It is, in my opinion, one of the highlights of Washington D.C.