It's Electric!

The Franklin Institute is committed to provide visitors with a scientific and interactive educational experience. This mission is clearly displayed in the exhibit titled “Electricity.” The exhibit developed from an interest of incorporating more of Benjamin Franklin into the exhibits, after all, Franklin is the museums namesake.

To set the mood when entering "Electricity" it is best to touch the key and receive a mild shock. As planned, this will ensure a clear and focused mind while experiencing how electricity works. Along with a guided tour, our class was able to sneak a peak into the preliminary design phases of the exhibit. Electricity is a large concept and to be able to see how it gets narrowed down is a perfect example of how an exhibit gets created. The space incorporates history, art, technology, and science interactively and successfully. When first walking into the space I first noticed the lighting, it was dimmed to the perfect level to see sparks and flashes of light. A number of Benjamin Franklin’s artifacts are on display, including his original electricity tube and a book he wrote on electricity. Among other things, a lightning rod, electrostatic generator, and a collection of Leyden jars, with only one missing. A mounted computer monitor allows visitors to pick an object and see a short animation of how each would have worked. I think that this combination of history and technology works well because it allows viewers to see how this outdated technology would have functioned, putting it in better context. Most of the interactive pieces were on a raised level in the center of the space. A floor that lights up when you walk or dace, cranks that power light bulbs, and a touch screen game that allows you to control a towns power supply, these are just a few examples of “Electricity.” Along with each “game,” for lack of a better word, a descriptive plaque informs what do and provides facts and information. I felt like I had to read them, because otherwise I would not have figured out what the goal was or what I was doing. I think that the exhibit does a great job of balancing interaction with education, despite everyone’s urge to huddle around “Compromising Choices.”

In connection to The Connecticut Cultural Consumer article, I found that it seemed like everyone enjoyed the technology and interaction. With the majority of the class being under thirty, we are the demographic the article says does not prefer technology in museums. I think it proves that statistics based on age and a wide subject like technology in museums is not something to take as fact. There are many variations between museums, technology, and how museums use technology. Personally, I would have enjoyed more historical background of Benjamin Franklin and the development of electricity. However, I enjoyed the technology and interaction, and I feel the Franklin Institute does a wonderful job balancing both.