Looking for examples of Children's Museums that are trauma informed and have exhibits that are supportive and healing for young children.
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This is barely related, but I remember viewing the original Star-Spangled Banner at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., just a few years ago. It's displayed in a darkly-lit room, behind protective glass, and no flash photography is allowed. It's really huge (30' x 42'). As we walk by, quiet recordings of spoken stories and National Anthem play in the background. I was struck by the 'truth' of this worn, old rag: pieces missing (taken for souvenirs), torn edges, hand-sewn red, white & blue threads coming loose...what an old battle-axe - talk about trauma! It brought me to tears. But I'm sure everyone there, young and old, took something different away from that exhibit, based upon their own histories and traumas. That's the kind of museum exhibits we need: not the ones that tell 'modified' histories written by scholars who may or may not have their stories straight, but actual, tactile objects that tell their own stories.
Children appreciate honesty.
