Museum Vocabulary

Exhibit Noun An object or collection of objects displayed for the public

Curator Noun Person in charge of a museum or art collection, manager or overseer of a museum What do you think a curator would study in college?

Placard Noun A small plaque or card with written information What is the purpose of a placard?

Artifact Noun An object made by a human, typically of cultural or historical interest

Archive Noun A place where public records or historical documents are kept

Docent Noun A person who is a knowledgeable guide, especially one who conducts visitors through a museum and delivers commentary on the exhibitions

Brochure Noun A pamphlet or leaflet

Collection Noun The various holdings of an art museum organized by category, as painting, sculpture, works on paper, photography, or film

Exhibition Noun A public display of the work of artists or objects of general interest

Exhibitor Noun A person who exhibits or displays

Contribution Noun A gift or donation given to a museum.

Historian Noun An expert in history, an authority on history

Primary Source Noun First-hand testimonies or direct evidence concerning a topic under investigation. Examples: The Constitution, Diary of an Individual, Speech Recording

Secondary Source Noun An interpretation of a primary source, created at a later time than event being researched. Examples: History Textbook, Encyclopedia, Most Journal Articles

Gallery Noun A raised area, often having a stepped or sloping floor, in a public building to accommodate spectators, exhibits, etc.

Things to Think About What words mean almost the same thing? What words can be grouped together because they sound or look alike?