Then, Now, Wow

Then Now Wow is a long-term educational exhibit designed specifically for Minnesota's children and families. This year staff created a comprehensive marketing strategy to increase overall attendance while driving specific increases among diverse families. New programs, including a monthly offering called WOW! Family Sundays, will give families the opportunity to discover the connections between old and new through activities, games, hands-on art projects and sharing stories. Student and teacher feedback informed work to improve the technology used for Play the Past, the in-gallery mobile application for K-12 students. New devices with the most current operating system will be purchased to replace aging devices. Additionally, the Minnesota History Center will improve the exhibit with the installation of a handicap lift for the boxcar. Focus groups were conducted with families from the Hmong community, the Somali community and families with children on the autism spectrum. Surveys were conducted with families attending programs, as well as non-visitor families in the metro area. Following this work, recommendations will be made to establish programs and resources for family audiences that promote inclusivity and engagement.