Writing for Museums

Book excerpt: Words are everywhere in the museum. Amidst all the visual exhibits, and in many non-exhibition areas, swarm a host of words, talking to a vast swath of people in ways that visuals cannot. Signage at the information desk, brochures, exhibition videos, guided tours, membership materials, apps, and store labels: in a multi-screen world, where information explodes in every corner of the field of vision, clarity comes from the presence of words among the feast of visuals, helping contemporary audiences feel at home. Research bears out the need for a range of learning tools and it’s not just visitors who benefit from verbal cues; donors, educators, community partners, and volunteers will all engage more effectively with the museum that explains its brand mission with good writing. Whether written by administrators, staffers, freelancers, or interns, words are delivered by people in your museums with the knowledge that they will be interpreted by strangers. Your story is told everywhere, and with each narration it reinforces your brand; hopefully every single word reflects your brand. Each chapter tells how to put into words the stories you need to tell including: Blogs Brochures Exhibition videos Guided tour scripts Collateral programming talks Marketing plans Proposals to community partners Public Relations releases Social Media Solicitation letters Surveys Volunteer communications Website If you ever wished for a good writer, right on staff, ready to take on project, major or routine, here’s the help you’re looking for.