Arbuthnot House Museum Survey
The museum survey asked what sort of collections should be displayed and what stories should be told in the new galleries. It asked respondents what elements were important within the galleries (such as interactives or audio and video) and asked what digital resources visitors might find useful before, during and after a visit. There were 204 responses to the survey.
When asked to rank the topics that could be covered in the new museum, the result was as follows, with 1 being the most popular and 9 the least: 1 Scottish history; 2 Inspiring people; 3 Archaeology; 4 Natural history; 5 Art; 6 Archives; 7 World history; 8 Regional summaries; 9 Conservation and museum practice
In terms of the types of objects that could be displayed in the galleries connected to these topics, the top three choices were: photos (77%), archives (49%) and domestic and social history items (48%). In a close, joint 4th, position were costume and archaeological objects at 42%.
When asked what items they would like to see brought in on loan to the new museum, respondents said (in order): objects that are from Aberdeenshire but have ended up in collections elsewhere; objects from elsewhere that tell important stories connected to Aberdeenshire; objects in private collections that are rarely seen; and highly unusual and rare objects but with no connection to Aberdeenshire.
Respondents stated that the 5 most important things for the interpretation (in order) were: that there was suitable interpretation for children as well as adults; that display cases and galleries changed regularly; that there was audio and video; that there were interactives within the galleries; and that the interpretation openly discussed difficult issues such as colonialism and climate change.
The most popular digital resources that respondents said they would like to see developed for the new museum were: touchscreen content in the galleries (76%); 3D models to play with and digital projections (joint at 50%); and online educational resources for pre and post visit (42%).
Comments received included: a range of suggestions for objects and stories to be included in the new interpretation; details of groups and organisations to contact for object loans or information that could be used in the new displays; and suggestions for interactives and activities in the galleries. Key themes for displays emerged from the comments as maritime related material (fishing, whaling, Arctic exploration etc), the Keiths, Jacobites, international trade and travel (from and to the shire), material related to religion and belief, and material related to the Picts.
We asked, You said, We will
The interpretive planning for the new museum includes a specific gallery for
Peterhead, to showcase the town’s stories. Shire-wide themes will include: maritime
related material; key figures from across the shire; music, literature and song
(including a focus on Doric material); a range of key historical periods (Pictish,
medieval and Jacobite amongst others) and world cultural material brought to the
shire such as Inuit artefacts acquired during whaling voyages and Arctic expeditions.
There will be specific galleries for the photographic and art collections that can be
regularly changed by the curatorial team and there will also be a community gallery
that will allow co-curation opportunities for local community groups.
