The Experiences of Musical Crossroads Visitors (Poster 11)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Thursday 3:35 p.m.
  In Poster Session: Informal Learning Environments Research Poster Session

Abstract

The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), part of the Smithsonian Institution (SI) complex in Washington, D.C., is the only SI museum with a permanent music exhibition, titled Musical Crossroads. In this study, I distributed surveys to Musical Crossroads visitors (n = 422) over several months to examine if visitors meet the experiential and educational goals set by NMAAHC staff. Results of the survey showed that Musical Crossroads visitors generally had a positive experience in the exhibit, had varied levels of interaction with exhibit elements, and are learning about key themes of African American musical cultures developed by NMAAHC staff.

Author

• Christian Michael Folk, University of Texas at Austin