ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on artifact and display museums through a case that explores the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. There are several characteristics of artifact and display museums that are important to consider because they can impact student learning. The first characteristic of artifact and display museums is to recognize that professional museum staff makes informed, but subjective, decisions about which objects to display and what to say about these objects. A second, and related, characteristic of artifact and display museums is that they often present numerous opportunities for students to analyze, interpret, and evaluate artifacts. A third important characteristic of artifact and display museums emanates from the size and complexity of many museums. A fourth characteristic of artifact and display museums that plays a role in student learning is the narratives they create. A fifth characteristic of many artifact and display museums that is important in planning for visits is that they often have active and full-time education staff.
