Combining Fun and Education: The Importance of Museums by Vee Cecil explains why museums are important to society and why they should be a centerpiece of education at home and in school.

Museums Are Important

• Museums have been a staple of Western society for centuries. They hold the rarest, most invaluable, and important artifacts from both past and present. Though some people may brush history off as boring, there is far more to see when you visit a museum.
• Some museums contain hands-on exhibits that explain science to the layperson, others hold modern works of art, and you might even find one with an extensive collection of teacups. Regardless of the theme, museums are an important part of society. There are several compelling reasons to visit and support museums in your local area and around the world.

They Preserve Cultures

• With globalization, cultures are dying at an unprecedented rate, leaving their remains to museums. Without careful preservation of documents and artifacts, many of these cultures would be lost to history. With museums, these cultures can be remembered, preserved, and possibly even revived. With heritage programs, the information held by museums can help a group revive aspects of their culture that would have otherwise been lost. Check out The importance of preserving cultural artifacts: A look at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Islamic Wing by Thomas Campbell.

They Teach Kids to Be Excited About Learning

• For most kids, there is nothing more exciting during the school year than a class field trip. Trips to museums allow students to abandon the traditional, lecture-based learning, get some hands-on education, and see beautiful visual aids that would be impossible to replicate in a classroom, even as part of a video. Hands-on learning is critical to engaged learning, and even teachers may learn some tips and tricks to keeping their kids interested. Check out useful lesson plans here.

They Showcase New Ideas and Technology

• In art museums, patrons find themselves exposed to new, innovative ideas from modern artists alongside historic pieces for comparison. Science museums break down technologies, allowing the average person to grasp the complex ingenuity that goes into their everyday staples. Many museums even have apps, displaying their connection to the modern world. Exposure to new things and ideas is critical in order for a person to continue to grow and learn. Though school may end, learning should not. You can also check out six museum apps for virtual field trips.

They Are a Fun and Beneficial Option for Family Outings

• Family outings are usually kid-centric with parents sacrificing their own interest in order to please their kids. Museums, on the other hand, are interesting and fun for all involved. Children get to see their parents excited about learning, creating a positive example.
• Museums also expose kids to a number of different subjects, teaching them the importance of things like art, science, and cultural acceptance. Though a trip to a playground is positive for kids’ fitness, museums are one of the best family-friendly activities that work the mind and expand kids’ horizons.
• Museums are an extremely under-appreciated resource. They play a critical role in preserving important aspects of humanity including our art, our cultures, our past, our present, and our future. Though we have documented much of our time on this planet, the only way this history is accessible to the public is through the hard work of museums. So next time you’re thinking of something to do with your kids this weekend, look up your local museum. You might just be surprised by what you discover. Click her for 17 kid-friendly museums and hands-on attractions.

Vee Cecil

• Vee keeps busy by being a wellness coach, personal trainer and bootcamp instructor in Kentucky. She also recently launched blog where she shares her passion for health by writing about her favorite tips, activities and recipes. @vee_cecil

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