Thematic vs. Chronological Organization
by USS Constitution Museum Team
A thematically organized exhibition facilitates family learning. Families can interact with the exhibit in the order they wish and bypass areas that, because of interest or time, they want to skip.
The open floor plan in the center of the A Sailor's Life For Me? exhibition allows family members to engage together or explore individually, and then rejoin the family group and discuss the parts of the exhibit they each experienced.
The thematic versus chronological approach proved powerful when discussing the battle. Instead of describing battle tactics and a slavish blow by blow of how the battle transpired over several hours, we focused on the broad human emotional experience and themes, such as anticipation and aftermath. This approach captured our visitors’ interest and enabled us to make connections to their own lives. We asked a series of questions to make the sailors' experiences in 1812 relevant to our lives today.
ANTICIPATION
“…My pulse beat quick - all nature seemed wrapped in awful suspense - the dart of death hung as if it were trembling by a single hair, and no one knew on whose head it would fall.”
—David C. Bunnell
In preparing for battle, the crew executes a set of well-orchestrated tasks and then waits at their guns. Hours pass from the first sighting of the enemy sail until the engagement begins. The crew experiences a range of emotions while they stand in silence at their battle stations anticipating the ultimate test.
What do sailors feel as they wait for battle to begin?
Fear – Sailors worry that they or their friends might not survive the battle. What frightens you?
Excitement –The adrenaline pumps as the moment the sailors have been training for arrives. How do you feel when something you’ve waited for is about to happen?
Anxiety – Sailors are nervous because no one knows the outcome of the battle. What makes you anxious?
A visitor slides back a panel to reveal a question about the anticipation of battle
Photo by Greg Cooper
