I’ve got a renewed excitement about the potential of museums to make the world a better place. This may sound idealistic, grandiose, and maybe a little “woo-woo.” But after having a BIG experience, you think BIG!

One thing narrowly focused museums have in common is a small but loyal fan base. And when museum staff is surrounded by undying devotion, it’s hard to focus on the people who DON’T come to your museum.

Meaningful, in-person experiences inspire visitors to feel something -- wonder, togetherness, purpose. I’ve written about why we need more of these in museums, but how do you make them? I have an experience design process that I use and I conduct workshops to teach it to others. But I wanted to find out how other people design. How do they make the magic happen? I reached out to some of my museum experience heroes – the Indiana Historical Society and Second Story Studios.

The positive neurological effects of nostalgia could explain why Trump's slogan is so successful. He offers people a kind of brain medicine. So what’s the harm in tapping into nostalgia if it makes people feel good? Well, like any drug, nostalgia can cover-up real issues and stunt our ability to adapt to the present. How can history museums avoid the 'nostalgia trap?'