Rebecca’s trail-writing wisdom features in an article by Jonathan Knott for Museum Practice this month. Jonathan’s article looks at how trails can take visitors deep into the heart of the story of a museum, collection or location:
An effective trail often involves a sense of mystery and revelation, taking people on a journey to help them build a picture of an exhibition or attraction’s significance, says Mileham. Often it will also incorporate elements of playfulness, competition or a challenge.
“Bringing in our human instinct to play is really powerful,” she says. “It shouldn’t ever be a test. A trail could have a quiz format, but it’s not about seeing whether your visitors have been paying attention.”
“It doesn’t have to be fancy,” she adds. “There are lots of creative ways that people have found to put trails together.”