How can museums better engage families and community members in education programs?

Get away from kindergarten interpretation and get real objects on display. Authenticity is the key to interpretation and interpretation needs to reflect real objects.. arguably the most successful visitor attraction and museum Jorvik focussed on absolute evidence from archaeological deposits. People want to see real things..

Before conducting any audience research, delve deeply into the existing audience research literature. There is a rich resource of excellent studies that can answer many questions and guide the development of your project. Your research should instead focus on the questions previous studies haven't been able to address

In my experience, many visitors are happy to give feedback the threshold to do so might be an obstacle. Digital surveys, QR codes, attending workshops, and webinars are all great ways to connect, but what about going old school. Multiple times, I have been able to get great feedback by putting a poll on a large poster or long paper posted to a wall and then given participants sticky notes to gauge their enjoyment, their vote for additional programming based on a handful of suggestions or more. I once saw a creative ribbon tying evaluation on a portable fencing set up. It was so great. Remember... your audience may only want to spend a few moments giving feedback, not hours or at a different location. Meet them where they are at!

I've always loved to offer multi-age classes that involve adult components for learning! These challenges intended for adults also encourage our littles with tasks that can be accomplished with focus, adult assistance, or by sheer determination. A secondary bonus is also giving our younger learners the opportunity to see curiosity in their adults, possible failure, determination, and also pride when they as adults are learning a new skill or complete a difficult task. One great example was a sewing experience in a Maker Space, I created with my team. Many adults were learning to sew buttons RIGHT ALONGSIDE their 3,4,5 + year old children. It was amazing to observe!

There's definitely something about a well placed 'finished products' shelf or display case in any creation space. When children (and even parents) know that their piece has the potential of being on display a different sense of purpose comes about. Not only is the effort in the moment a bit different, the pride, accomplishment, and joy that is seen when there is a return visit and their creation remains on the display shelf!! WOW, now that's definitely a celebration. Can't you hear it? ... a child walking up the display case and telling a bystander, "I MADE THAT!" I smile just thinking of it. It usually takes little resources to put up a shelf for a huge amount of impact for your visitors!

One of the innovative ways the National Museum of Delhi engaged with the community was to arrange desks in every corner where children and adults could sit and draw/color for hours. They provide painting supplies such as crayons and puzzles based on museum objects, as well as regular meet-and-greets with children and families. It's a fascinating and practical approach to learn about history. They also offer free puzzle/painting prints available near the entryway for visitors to take home.

For families the key thing to remember is that they are seeking an enjoyable, memorable, shared experience. Whatever you provide needs to facilitate this goal. And for families with children over the age of 5, it's vital to remember that it is the children who are in charge of the visit. They decide what to do and how long to spend doing it, regardless of what their accompanying adults might want.

Every family desire to have a conducive atmosphere for interaction, share memories, education and reflect while museums are a better place to stay in especially when the museums education programme would incorporate both children and adults alike. For instance, spelling bee, innovations, objects identification, colour identification among others.