American Heritage Exhibition at The American Museum

Calling all exhibition reviewers! Celebrating the voices and complex development of America, a trend-setting tourist attraction is living proof as to how a tired and bleak lower level cellar of a Georgian manor house, can be re-vamped into a zone of discovery and historical education for its visitors.

Spanning Black America and the Civil War to George Washington and Marilyn, the innovative new American Heritage permanent exhibition area has just been unveiled and aims to ‘put the past into the present’. The ambitious initiative at The American Museum in Britain near Bath, is thanks to half a million pounds from the Heritage Lottery Fund and private charitable donations and supporters.

The forward-thinking, creative vision has aimed to illustrate the journey of the development of America and its culture from colonial days (over 10 hi-tech, interactive galleries and open vistas). This new tactile, disabled friendly and bright visitor zone adds a new dimension to bring the stories of America to life.

Using multi-sensory elements of sound, film and costume, the real stories and spirit of American life come alive. Visitors can view films, touch screens, handle exhibits, explore Native American headdresses, have a go at paper rubbing or try their skills designing a virtual quilt. They can learn about the early pioneers and their difficult journeys by touching a screen to choose what to take in a wagon about to cross the harsh deserts and mountains. From the 17th century onwards, the real stories and a rich unseen window on America await…

Venue

American Museum in Britain, Greater Bath

Dates

15 Mar 2008 - 2 Nov 2008

22 Nov 2008 - 14 Dec 2008