Visitor Opinions of Human Evolution in the Milwaukee Public Museum

Abstract

Museums have the opportunity to present human evolution to a wide range of visitors, yet few appear to exhibit this topic in an unflinching manner. In a survey conducted at the Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM), the vast majority of visitors thought a human evolution exhibit was appropriate for the museum. However, a small number said any discussion of human evolution would mandate the presentation of Biblical creation as well. Museums have an obligation to meet visitor demands as best they can, but doing so for this particular group would mean compromising scientific fact. With respect to the Milwaukee Public Museum, we have identified that label text within the human evolution exhibit is effectively accommodating religious viewpoints. Although the MPM is not the first museum to take this approach, the longevity of this label without public outcry is notable in light of recent events at other museums—most remarkably, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. We consider here the differences between the approaches taken by each museum and whether religious accommodation is a viable approach for museum professionals to consider when exhibiting evolution-related content.