Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Interpreting Agriculture at Museums and Historic Sites (Interpreting History): 12

Interpreting Agriculture in Museums and Historic Sites orients readers to major themes in agriculture and techniques in education and interpretation that can help you develop humanities-based public programming that enhance agricultural literacy. Case studies illustrate the ways that local research can help you link your history organization to compelling local, national (even international) stories focused on the multidisciplinary topic. That ordinary plow, pitch fork, and butter paddle can provide the tangible evidence of the story worth telling, even if the farm land has disappeared into subdivisions and agriculture seems as remote as the nineteenth century. Other topics include discussion of alliances between rural tourism and community-supported agriculture, farmland conservation and stewardship, heritage breed and seed preservation efforts, and antique tractor clubs. Any of these can become indispensable partners to history organizations searching for a new interpretive theme to explore and new partners to engage. Review Humans depend on agriculture as a source of food, fiber, and fuel. However, there has been a dramatic shift in the number of farmers who supply these raw materials. Agricultural museums provide a view of the history of agriculture and present the different aspects of agricultural inventions, products, and progress. This volume attentively describes how museums and historic sites offer a view of agriculture that helps explain the progress that fostered this abundant supply of agricultural materials. Throughout the book, there are descriptions of the changes made in agriculture. Examples include the transition from hand picking to machine harvesting corn; the need to change methods for storage, processing, and management; and how agriculture prompted the need for road improvements and the creation of bridges to deliver products to markets. It is important to note that this work should be regarded not as a how-to guide for museums but as a unique vision of how humans depict and understand agriculture from the viewpoint of individuals who did not grow up on a farm. The insights provided in this effort reveal why it is necessary to tell the story of how agriculture has benefited humanity. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above; faculty and professionals.--CHOICE Interpreting Agriculture at Museums and Historic Sites is an excellent tool to help create compelling agriculture-related programs and experiences. It provides many examples of how humanities themes and agricultural topics can be combined, supported by excellent case studies and resource lists. The book can be a great benefit to both greenhorns and those with experience in the field.--Jim McCabe, Special Projects Manager, The Henry Ford This much needed volume makes a persuasive case for interpreting agriculture at any museum or historic site. Chapters contributed by experienced leaders in the field cover both the related scholarly literature as well as the practical nuts and bolts of specific examples. Sections on interpreting agricultural artifacts, live animals, and modern agriculture will be especially useful to refreshing existing interpretation or adding new programming.--Todd Stockwell, Curator of Agriculture, Industry, Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites Too many museum sites neglect the history of farming in spite of the current issues of food production, animal welfare, water quality and usage, and others directly tied to agricultural history.This work is a valuable contribution for any museum on the how and why to incorporate agricultural interpretation and education into their programs and exhibits.--Leo E. Landis, State Curator, State Historical Society of Iowa About the Author Debra A. Reid is curator of agriculture and the environment at The Henry Ford, and professor emeritus in the Department of History and Historical Administration Graduate Program at Eastern Illinois Univ