Risky Business: Some Thoughs on Controversial Exhibitions

Abstract

Tom D. Crouch, chairman of the Department of Aeronautics of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum, is no stranger to controversy, as this article reveals. It was written in response to the arguments of those who question the value of virtually all thoughtful exhibitions that seek to interpret objects within a useful social and cultural context. He has written or edited several books and articles on the early history of flight technology and is the recipient of a number of major writing awards, including the history book prizes offered by both the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the Aviation/Space Writers Association. He received a 1989 Christopher Award, a literary prize recognizing ‘significant artistic achievement in support of the highest values of the human spirit’ for The Bishop’s Boys.