Caitlin Brennecke Archivist, Troy Historic Village Troy, Michigan Behind the Scenes at the Troy Historic Village: An Immersive Tour Archives 2015 Cleveland August 21, 2015 #saa15 #s303
The Troy Historic Village Located in Troy, Michigan Includes 9 historic buildings Hosts field trips, lectures, community events #saa15 #s303
The Troy Historic Village #saa15 #s303
Why Do A Tour? 2014 members survey Responses: ~70% said that preservation was a priority Only a small % wanted money to go to collections and the archive Our director thought a tour would be the best way to bridge this gap for visitors and teach the value of the archives #saa15 #s303
Not Just Another Tour Immersive interpretation can go beyond regular programming Why not use it for our behind the scenes tour, too? Our plan: Educate visitors on the archiving process Rotate them to stations for archival activities It’s not just about storing artifacts #saa15 #s303
The Tour Tickets available to the public, board members, and volunteers Three spaces to show off Two tours Security concerns: Asked attendees to leave coats and bags in the main building Groups were small and manageable #saa15 #s303
Parsonage Basement Learning outcome: Donations and accessioning Staged trunks containing items from our education collection (non-accessioned; for use with kids) Asked visitors to select an item to accept as donation Explained factors that affect decisions to accept donations #saa15 #s303
Parsonage Basement #saa15 #s303
Mobile Storage Learning outcome: How objects are used Staged items that could be used to outfit the 1950s house on the property Visitors were asked which object they would select for the house Explained how we select certain items #saa15 #s303
Mobile Storage #saa15 #s303
Archive Learning Outcome: Reference and preservation Staged red folders containing laminated copies of previously digitized archival materials Asked visitors to help answer a mock reference Explained the enduring value of archival materials #saa15 #s303
Archive #saa15 #s303
Outcomes Improved relationships Money earned through ticket sales Visitors becoming supporters and advocates Lead to ideas for other immersive activities #saa15 #s303
Questions? Contact me: Caitlin Brennecke #saa15 #s303