Archival Material

Date Original: 2013

Description: In Where Did the Ideas Come From, Chapter 4 of Boston Stories, author Janet Kamien traces the intersections of personal interests, community needs, and a creative vision that inspired exhibits, programs, and other efforts.

Creator(s):>Janet Kamien, author

Keywords:

Date Original: March 12, 1980

Description: Memo about changes to the BCM Accessibility Project.

Creator(s): Janet Kamien, author

Keywords: memos, correspondence, accessibility project

Date: 1978

Description: A scanned copy of Janet Kamien's bookAlvin.

Creator(s): Janet Kamien,author; Signe Hanson, illustrator

Keywords: Children's literature, social-emotional learning, outreach

Date Original: October 2009

Description: Transcript of a videotaped interview with Aylette Jenness, an early employee of the Boston Children's Museum.

Creator(s): Mike Spock, interviewer; Aylette Jenness, interviewee

Keywords: interview; transcript; employee; teaching; artist; education

Date: June 18, 2006

Description: Aylette Jenness discusses the origins of Talk Back Boards and exhibit participation and feedback.

Creator(s): Mike Spock, interviewer; Aylette Jenness, interviewee

Keywords: Talk Back Boards, exhibit evaluation, exhibit participation, community engagement

Date: 1990

Description: A photograph of a poster hung in the bathroom used to explain the music and other recordings from the Smithsonian Folkways Collectionbeing played and encourage learning in less traditional museum spaces.

Creator(s): to be entered

Keywords: bathroom music, use of non-traditional museum space, patron engagement

Date: 1990s

Description: A small exhibit of toothbrushes from the Toothbrushes Around The World exhibit. This exhibit was displayed in the museum bathrooms.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: bathrooms, unusual exhibits, toothbrushes around the world exhibit

Date: 1990

Description: Tthe animal droppings displayfrom the Bathroom exhibit in the Living Things area.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: Animal Poop Exhibit, exhibit materials

Date Original: 1984

Description: Release from comic writer Breathed about using a strip in endings

Creator(s): Berke Breathed, author/artist

Keywords: exhibit materials, release form

Date Original: n.d.

Description: Discussion of how to talk to children about death and other bad news. Perhaps used as a guiding philosophy in the design of the Endings exhibit.

Creator(s): Olive Evans, author

Keywords: newspaper article, relationships, childhood emotions, subject files, exhibit research

Date: March 22, 1981

Description: Boston Globe article about the What if I Couldn't? exhibit. Includes an interview with Janet Kamien, as well as photogrpahs of the exhibit.

Creator(s): Elizabeth Findley, author; The Boston Globe

Keywords: museum press, what if I couldn't?, Janet Kamien

Date: June 5, 1984

Description:This article was used in the Endings exhibit and tells the story of a man who reportedly wakes up during the cremation process.

Creator(s): Weekly World News, publisher

Keywords: exhibit resources, Endings exhibit, literacy

Date: to be entered

Description: A compilation of poems collected around the central theme of death, dying, and loss. Hand-written annotations are visible on several poems.

Creator(s): to be entered

Keywords: poetry, literacy, Endings exhibit

Date Original: n.d.

Description: The development office at the Boston Children's Museum.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: Development, facilities

Date Original: 1987

Description: Informational booklet about the Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos.

Creator(s): Associates in Multicultural and International Education, publisher

Keywords: exhibit materials, research, death and dying

Date Original: March 14, 1983

Description: Article discussing students learning about handicaps, and mentioning the What if I Couldnt MATCh box.

Creator(s): Judith Enright, author; New Engliand Patriot, publisher

Keywords: reviews, exhibits, press coverage, publicity, MATCh boxes

Date: n.d.

Description: Ed and Janet are photographed working in the office.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: museum staff, exhibit development, exhibit organization

Date: to be entered

Description: Elaine Gurian discusses the conception, development, and challenges of the Families exhibit. She goes on to explain how museums and exhibits can be a force for positive social change.

Creator(s): Spock, Mike-interviewer; Gurian, Elaine-interviewee

Keywords: Families exhibit, Elaine Gurian

Date: to be entered

Description: Elaine Gurian explains how her personal family experiences helped her develop an idea for a special education program at the Boston Children's Museum for students who require one-to-one special accommodations.

Creator(s): Mike Spock, interviewer; Eliane Gurian, interviewee

Keywords: Special education programming, education, community engagement, inclusion

Date: to be entered

Description: Copy of grant application prepared for the Endings exhibit.

Creator(s): Janet Kamien

Keywords: grant application, Endings exhibit, controversial exhibits

Date: ca. 1985

Description: Hand-written notes and formal grant application for the Endings exhibit.

Creator(s): Janet Kamien

Keywords: grant application, Endings exhibit, controversial exhibits

Date Original: 03/09/1984

Description: Letter from Janet Kamien asking about permission to use Bloom comic strip in "Endings" exhibit.

Creator(s): Kamien, Janet- author

Keywords: correspondence, exhibit materials, Janet Kamien, Endings Exhibit

Date: June 1984

Description: A newsletter detailing the advisors included in the Endings Exhibit, which included pioneers in the field of education such as Alfie Kohn. The newsletter provides a rationale for the exhibit, as well as its components and staff members.

Creator(s): Drew Souerwine, author

Keywords: newsletters, museum publications, exhibit organization, exhibit planning, museum staff, collaboration, Endings exhibit

Date: July 1998

Description: Kamien reflects on the Endings exhibit 15 years after its opening and shares her thoughts regarding its controversy, development, organization, and impact.

Creator(s): Janet Kamien, author

Keywords: Janet Kamien, reflection, Endings exhibit, controversial exhibits, exhibit organization, exhibit development

Date: August 11, 1986

Description: Deborah Gould provides reflections, observations, and facts about the visitors' experience at the Endings exhibit based on her observations and interactions with patrons.

Creator(s): Deborah Gould, author

Keywords: Deborah Gould, Endings exhibit, exhibit evaluation, controversial exhibits

Date Original: 2012

Description: A Power Point presentation that details the design and production of the Endings exhibit from 1984.

Creator(s): Dottie Merrill

Keywords: Endings exhibit, exhibit design, Sing Hansen, Janet Kamien

Date: to be entered

Description: A sample from the talk back boards written by a child visiting the exhibit. This is an excellent example of how children participated and reflected upon their time at the museum.

Creator(s): to be entered

Keywords: Endings exhibit, talk back boards, exhibit participation, feedback and evaluation of exhibits

Date: to be entered

Description: This file includes a sample Talk Back Board from a child who visited the Endings exhibit. The child participates in the exhibit while reflecting on how death and birth have impacted his/her young life.

Creator(s): to be entered

Keywords: Endings exhibit, talk back boards, exhibit participation, engagement, exhibit evaluation

Date: 1984

Description: A series of photographs by Frank Sitemandepicting Alex and Atticus in the Endings exhibit.

Creator(s): Frank Siteman, Photographer; Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: Endings exhibit, controversial exhibits, photography

Date Original: 1984

Description: Live frogs and dead frogs as part of the Endings exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: Janet Kamien, Sing Hanson, Exhibits

Date: n.d.

Description: Visitors read and reflect on "When Grandpa Died", a story board at the Endings exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: Endings exhibit, story boards, literacy, controversial exhibits, visitor participation

Date: n.d.

Description: A boy visits a display at the Endings exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: visitor participation, Endings exhibit, controversial exhibits, exhibit displays

Date: n.d.

Description: Two children touch a glass case filled with a deceased frog at the Endings exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: Endings exhibit, visitor participation, controversial exhibits

Date: n.d.

Description: The coffin and headstone featured in the Endings exhibit. A child and a woman are also shown participating in the exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: Endings exhibit, controversial exhibits, exhibit design

Date: n.d.

Description: A full view of the Dead or Alive section of the Endings exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: Endings exhibit, controversial exhibits, exhibit design, exhibit construction

Date: n.d.

Description: A section of the Endings exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: exhibit design, exhibit construction, endings exhibit, controversial exhibits

Date: n.d.

Description: A section of the Endings exhibit. Children are invited to discuss whether or not the items placed in the show boxes are dead or alive.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: endings exhibit, controversial exhibits, social-emotional learning, exhibit design and production

Date: 1984

Description: The introduction panel to the Endings exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: Endings exhibit, exhibit design, exhibit construction

Date: 1984

Description: An O-Bon display exhibiting the customs and practicies of Japanese Buddhists. During the Bon Festival, worshipors honor the spirits of their ancestors.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: O-Bon, Endings Exhibit, Japan, Buddhism

Date: 1984

Description: The Talk Back Boards at the Endings exhibit. Includes visitor feedback.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: exhibit reflection, exhibit evaluation, endings exhibit, talk back boards

Date: n.d.

Description: An adult and child investigate the frogs at the Endings exhibit. The display case as well as posters and informational text are also visible in the photograph.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: Endings exhibit, controversial exhibits, visitor participation, exhibit displays

Date: n.d.

Description: Visitors reading the word wall, an educational technique used to improve vocabulary, at the Endings exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: literacy, Endings exhibit, visitor participation

Date: n.d.

Description: Visitors sit and read the Endings word wall, a technique used to highlight key words and improve comprehension and vocabulary.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: literacy, vocabulary development, visitor participation, Endings exhibit

Date: n.d.

Description: A selection of photographs taken from the Endings exhibit. Includes photos of visitors, exhibit features, and exhibit participation.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: Endings exhibit, exhibit design, exhibit construction

Date: n.d.

Description: A woman visits the memorial displays, which honor the lives of deceased family members, at the Endings exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: Endings exhibit, controversial exhibits, memorials

Date: n.d.

Description: Close up of the memorials at the Endings exhibit. Visitors can see how people around the world honor people who have died.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: memorials, death, Endings exhibit, displays

Date: n.d.

Description: Close up of the memorials at the Endings exhibit. Visitors can see how people around the world honor people who have died.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: memorials, death, Endings exhibit, displays

Date Original: Augst 24, 1984

Description: Review in The New York Times about Endings exhibit.

Creator(s): The New York Times, publisher

Keywords: reviews, exhibits, press coverage, publicity

Date: n.d.

Description: A photograph of a story board featured in the Endings exhibit.

Creator(s): Kamien, Janet

Keywords: Endings exhibit, story board, controversial exhibits

Date: n.d.

Description: A photograph of a television and recording used during the Endings exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: exhibit design and production, video, endings exhibit

Date: n.d.

Description: Visitors observe the Dead or Alive section of the Endings exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: controversial exhibits, exhibit construction and design, visitor participation, Endings exhibit

Date: n.d.

Description: A visitor reads at the peek-a-boo section of the Endings exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: Endings exhibit, exhibit design, literacy

Date: n.d.

Description: A woman and young boy photographed here explore the hands-on aspects of the Endings exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: museum visitors, hands-on exhibits, Endings exhibit

Date Original: August 22, 1984

Description: Article describing the Endings exhibit, published by the Panama City News Herald.

Creator(s): Suzanne Spring, author; Panama City News Herald, publisher

Keywords: reviews, exhibits, press coverage, publicity

Date: n.d.

Description: A staff member and two visitors examine a plant.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: staff members, audience, interactivity

Date Original: March 21, 1983

Description: Article describing the BCM traveling exhibit, What if You Couldnt...?

Creator(s): Daily Hampshire Gazette, publisher

Keywords: reviews, exhibits, press coverage, publicity

Date Original: 1984

Description: Newspaper article in the Boston Globe, detailing the Endings exhibit and its contents.

Creator(s): Whitney Ward, author; The Boston Globe, publisher

Keywords: publicity, reviews, exhibits

Date Original: May 13, 1984

Description: Discussion about exposing children to violence and the effects on them as they grow up.

Creator(s): Michael T. Kaufman, author; New York Times, publisher

Keywords: exhibit materials, research,

Date: 1990

Description: The selection features scanned pages from the book as well as the table of contents, and workbook pages compelted by children visiting the museum.

Creator(s): Aylette Jenness, author

Keywords: publications, Families exhibit, Aylette Jenness, visitor participation, controversial exhibits

Date: 1984

Description: Handouts and forms related to the Family Support Center (Judge Baker Guidance Center) and the Good Grief Program, which aimed to provide support to families and children struggling with loss and grief.

Creator(s): Family Support Center; Judge Baker Guidance Center

Keywords: Endings exhibit, controversial exhibits, community engagement, community support, exhibit extensions, cross-institutional collaboration

Date Original: n.d.

Description: Flyer detailing several events and programs focusing on special needs that took place at the Boston Children's Museum.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: events, programs, mailings, publicity, outreach, special needs

Date: n.d.

Description: Part of a display used at the Fort Point Garage exhibit. The poster explains how to change a flat tire.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: fort point garage exhibit, displays, learning through play

Date: n.d.

Description: Car parts featured in the Fort Point Garage exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: exhibit design, exhibit production exhibit manipulatives, Fort Point Garage exhibit

Date: n.d.

Description: The emissions test section of the Fort Point Garage exhibit, which was designed and produced by the Design and Production team at BCM.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: exhibit design, exhibit production, Fort Point Garage exhibit

Date: n.d.

Description: The Fort Point Garage exhibit designed and built by the Design and Production team at BCM.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: Fort Point Garage exhibit, exhibit design, exhibit production

Date: n.d.

Description: A model car in the middle of mechanic work in the Fort Point Garage Exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: fort point garage exhibit, exhibit design and production

Date: n.d.

Description: A model green truck used at the Fort Point Garage exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: fort point garage exhibit, exhibit design and production

Date: to be entered

Description: An article from the Boston Globe about funeral directors in training.

Creator(s): Terri Minsky, author

Keywords: Exhibit resources, Endings exhibit, controversial exhibits

Date Original: 1979

Description: Membership card for the Greater Boston Association for Retarded Citizens, addressed to Janet Kamien.

Creator(s): Greater Boston Association for Retarded Citizens, Inc.

Keywords: exhibit materials, research, ephemera

Date: to be entered

Description: An article titled Going Out In Style, which details the self-designed coffin used in a Chicago man's funeral.

Creator(s): Mike Barnicle, author

Keywords: Exhibit resources, Endings exhibit, controversial exibits

Date: 1987

Description: A scanned copy of Deborah Gould's Children's book, Grandpa's Slide Show.

Creator(s): Deborah Gould, author

Keywords: staff publications, Endings exhibit, Deborah Gould

Date: 1981

Description: This annotated map provides information on a modern graveyard in Boston, as well as information about ancient burial practices. Includes locations, facts, and histories about each place. It was one of several guides fromthe museum's Detours project.

Creator(s): Dorothy Merrill, author; Susan Manning, designer; Boston Children's Museum, publisher

Keywords: Endings exhibit, controversial exhibits, cross cultural institution collaboration, literacy, Detours,

Date: n.d.

Description: Children and parents explore the different experience buying, selling, and browsing at the Grocery Store exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: hands-on exhibit, grocery store exhibit, experiential learning

Date: n.d.

Description: Two children playing and learning at the Grocery Store exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: play learning, exhibit design, grocery exhibit

Date Original: n.d.

Description: Newspaper article that discusses children coping with the stress of death.

Creator(s): Susan Levine, author

Keywords: exhibit materials, research, ephemera

Date: n.d.

Description: Two girls play and learn through role play at the Hospital exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: visitor participation, interactive exhibits, hospital exhibit, exhibit design

Date: to be entered

Description: Includes an essay by Janet Kamien titled How Do Special Needs Alter Arts Education Programs Outside of the Regular Classroom Setting: An Example From the Children's Museum in Boston. The scanned essay also includes hand-written notes at the end of the document.

Creator(s): Janet Kamien, author

Keywords: museum publications, special needs, education, arts education, informal education

Date Original: 1978

Description: Janet Kamien and her leadership in raising awareness of individuals with special needs.

Creator(s): Neil Miller, author; Boston Phoenix, publisher

Keywords: publicity, special needs, accessibility, Janet Jamien

Date: 1970s

Description: Children and adults wait in line to enter the Boston Children's Museum.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: museum patrons, museum design, museum art

Date: 1980

Description: The guide is intended to assist organizations and institutions in evaluating their programming and accessibility for adults and children with disabilities.

Creator(s): Developed by Janet Kamien, Amy Goldbas, and Susan Porter

Keywords: inclusive programming, people with disabilities, 504 plans, outreach, cross-cultural institution collaboration, publications

Date Original: n.d.

Description: Publication from the Boston Children's Museum, featuring excerpts from letters regarding "Is there Life After 504? A Guide to Building and Program Accessibility."

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: publicity, publications, accessibility, mailings

Date Original: 1986

Description: Certificate naming Janet Kamien an honorary citizen of Indianapolis in recognition of her outstanding contributions (to what is not specified).

Creator(s): City of Indianaplois

Keywords: awards, certificates, appreciation

Date: n.d.

Description: Janet Kamien is pictured at one of the museum's exhibits.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: Janet Kamien, museum staff

Date: June 22, 1983

Description: A scanned copy of Janet Kamien's 1983 resume.

Creator(s): Janet Kamien

Keywords: museum staff, Janet Kamien

Date: n.d.

Description: A photograph of Janet Kamien helping to construct an exhibit by painting the floor.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: Janet Kamien, exhibit construction, exhibit design

Date: n.d.

Description: Janet Kamien signs the letter 'b' at the What if? exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: Janet Kamien, sign language, special needs

Date: n.d.

Description: Janet Kamien works at her desk.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: Janet Kamien, museum staff

Date: to be entered

Description: In a short video clip, Janet Kamien discusses some of the challenges in choosing artifacts for the Endings death and loss exhibit.

Creator(s): Mike Spock, interviewer; Janet Kamien, interviewee

Keywords: video interviews, Janet Kamien, Endings exhibit, censorship, curation, controversial exhibits

Date: to be entered

Description: Janet Kamien discusses the impact of special education laws on the Children's museum, and how the museum designed exhibits to meet the needs of children with special needs.

Creator(s): Mike Spock, interviewer; Janet Kamien, interviewee

Keywords: Special education programming, special needs children, project proposals

Date: to be entered

Description: Janet Kamien discusses the impact of special education laws on the Children's museum, and how the museum designed exhibits to meet the needs of children with special needs.

Creator(s): Mike Spock, interviewer; Janet Kamien, interviewee

Keywords: Special education programming, special needs children, project proposals

Date: to be entered

Description: Janet Kamien shares her insights on programming for children with special needs.

Creator(s): Mike Spock, interviewer; Janet Kamien, interviewee

Keywords: special education programming, children with special needs

Date: n.d.

Description: Janet Kamien is photographed here working with museum staff.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: Janet Kamien, museum staff

Date: n.d.

Description: Tthe behind the scenes efforts of the museum. Janet Kamien is pictured with a series of story boards as they are being made.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: Janet Kamien, exhibit construction, museum staff

Date Original: November 17, 1984

Description: Letter to Janet about pictures of appearance on Nightline.

Creator(s): Karras Enterprises, author

Keywords: Publicity, correspondence

Date Original: n.d.

Description: Different experiences about losing a parent.

Creator(s): Boston Globe, publisher

Keywords: ephemera, exhibit materials, research, Endings

Date Original: November 8, 1983

Description: Letter from the Massachusetts Association for Retarded Citizens informing Janet Kamien that she was the recipient of the 1983 Distinguished Citizens Award.

Creator(s): Massachusetts Association for Retarded Citizens

Keywords: award, accessibility, correspondence

Date Original: February 14, 1974

Description: Example of a visitor's take-home activity card from the exhibit ME!

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: membership card, museum publications

Date: June 23, 1984

Description: A scanned resource booklet produced by the National Center for Death Education. Includes a rational for death education, as well as a list of resources for many different kinds of institutions that aim to provide death education.

Creator(s): National Center for Death Education

Keywords: Endings exhibit, exhibit resources, controversial exhibits, exhibit planning, interdisciplinary collaboration

Date:August 1986

Description: A report on thedemographics and opinions of museum visitors interviewedto evaluate its programming and exhibits. Includes research methods and analysis of results.

Creator(s): Jeff Hayward, Director, People, Places & Design Research.

Keywords: museum research, museum publications, data-driven museum studies, visitor information, visitor research

Date: 07/25/1985

Description: A museum document that includes possible programs and proposal topics for the 1986 year. Includes insights on the Families and Endings exhibits, as well as others.

Creator(s): Gurian, Elaine-Author

Keywords: museum documents, exhibit planning, exhibit organization, programming

Date Original: 1983

Description: Postcard inviting Janet Kamien to a field trip at Stony Brook Valley.

Creator(s): Miller, Betty-author

Keywords: correspondence, nature, field trip

Date: ca. 1973

Description: Provides notes and a review of the Atlanta convention in which stakeholders from the Boston Children's Hosptial and other university specialists met and discussed the needs and options for the Children's hospital exhibit.

Creator(s): Gurian, Elaine

Keywords: special needs, exhibit planning, cross cultural institution collaboration

Date: 06/30/1977

Description: A scanned version of the legal agreement between Scribne's Publishing and The Children's Museum to publish the work What If I Couldn't?.

Creator(s): to be entered

Keyword: legal agreements, publishing, Janet Kamien, special needs

Date: October 3, 1984

Description: Seeing Death as a Part of Life includes an interview with Janet Kamien on the development of the Endings exhibit.

Creator(s): The Boston Globe

Keywords: press, Janet Kamien, Endings exhibit

Date:October 3, 1984

Description: A scanned copy of a 1984 Boston Globe article on the Endings exhibit. Includes an interview with Janet Kamien.

Creator(s): The Boston Globe

Keywords: museum press, Janet Kamien, Endings exhibit

Date Original: n.d.

Description: Brief description of the "What if I Couldnt" Traveling Exhibits, including costs.

Creator(s): Siteline-publisher

Keywords: publicity, What if I couldnt, exhibits, travelling exhibits

Date: 1985

Description: Scanned journal from the Moral Education Forum's 10th anniversary issue: The Sociomoral Dimension of Museum Design. Includes an essay by Janet Kamien titled Endings: An Exhibit on Death and Loss.

Creator(s): Moral Education Forum

Keywords: staff publications, Endings exhibit, controversial exhibits, Janet Kamien

Date: 01/16/1979

Description: This document outlines the programming available for children with special needs at BCM in 1979. It provides examples of programming, teacher and parent involvement, and future plans for programming.

Creator(s): to be entered

Keywords: museum programming, special needs, program planning

Date Original: June 17 - August 31, 1974

Description: A personal diary written by amuseum interpreter reflecting on her experiences in the Special Needs Wednesday program.

Creator(s): Leslie Hill Paisley, author

Keywords: special needs visitors, intern staff

Date: n.d.

Description: A photograph of the Special Stuff Workshop.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: special stuff workshop, special needs, museum workshops

Date Original: n.d.

Description: Flyer informing the community and members that the Boston Children's Museum has ensured that it is accessible to members of the special needs community.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: accessibility, special needs, audience, publicity

Date: to be entered

Description: A handout advertising the museum's accessibility for children and adults with special needs. The handout invites visitors to provide feedback for the museum as it works towards making the museum as accessible as possible.

Creator(s): Kamien, Janet; Porter, Susan; Goldbas, Amy

Keywords: special needs, museum accessibility, community engagement, advertising

Date Original: 1978

Description: Flyer advertising free tours of the Spree Spinner Assembly Plant

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: outreach, publicity, tours, mailings

Date: n.d.

Description: A photograph of staff members playing musical instruments.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: staff memembers, community, music

Date: n.d.

Description: Staff members participate in a musical performance.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: staff memembers, community

Date: 06/22/1983

Description: Staff notes from June 22, 1983. Includes a profile of Janet Kamien's experiences with the museum as she prepares to leave the museum and move to Florida.

Creator(s): to be entered

Keywords: Janet Kamien, museum staff, staff notes

Date: August 18, 2003

Description: An edited version of Talking Back by Janet Kamien. This essay reflects on the development of direct visitor feedback at the Boston Children's Museum. Includes edits and annotations.

Creator(s): Janet Kamien

Keywords: program evaluation, Janet Kamien, talk back boards

Date: to be entered

Description: An essay written by Janet Kamien and Dr. Martin M. Norman titled Talking to Children about Death. Explains how children process death and loss, and provides additional reading materials for further inquiry.

Creator(s): Kamien, Janet; Norman, Martin M.

Keywords: Endings exhibit, Janet Kamien, museum publications

Date Original: n.d.

Description: Mailable membership enrollment form that discusses benefits of membership at the Children's Museum, as well as rates and information about tax deductions.

Creator(s): The Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: membership, enrollment, form

Date Original: October 18, 1984

Description: Panel of "The Family Circus" comic strip dealing with death.

Creator(s): Bill Keane, artist

Keywords: exhibit materials, research, ephemera

Date: n.d.

Description: This photograph shows a staff member with a brainstorming chart created during a staff retreat.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: exhibit planning, program planning, brainstorming, collaboration

Date Original: 1983

Description: Comic strip about death and dying.

Creator(s): Brant Parkerand Johnny Hart

Keywords: Endings, ephemera, exhibit material

Date Original: 1984

Description: Description of the Endings exhibit at the Boston Children's Museum.

Creator(s): Robin Vaughn, author; Boston Phoenix, publisher

Keywords: publicity, news coverage, exhibit review, Endings

Date Original: n.d.

Description: Mailing advertising the documentary "Us and them" about disabilities and relationships.

Creator(s): Fred Simon Produtions

Keywords: special needs, publicity, exhibit materials, research, ephemera, What if You Couldnt

Date Original: 1982

Description: Review of "Us and Them," a film about individuals with special needs.

Creator(s): Rehabfilm-publisher

Keywords: ephemera, exhibit materials, research

Date Original: n.d.

Description: Notes from first Advisory Council for What if... exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: exhibit planning, accessibility, special needs, What if You Couldnt

Date: n.d.

Description: A staff member and a child use sign language at the What If? special needs exhibit while sitting on the floor and using manipulatives, like a mirror.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: hands-on exhibits, interactive exhibits, literacy, special needs, sign language, visitor participation

Date: n.d.

Description: A photograph of the introduction to What If You Couldn't?...An Exhibit About Handicaps

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: what if you couldn't? exhibit, special needs, exhibit design and production

Date: n.d.

Description: A young boy reads a description at the What If I Couldn't...? special needs exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: visitor participation, interactive exhibits, literacy, special needs

Date Original: 1976

Description: Two sided reminder card, highlighting the "What if I Couldnt..." exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: mailings, outreach, publicity, What if I Couldnt, exhibits

Date Original: n.d.

Description: Certificate issued to Janety Kamien from the National Committee of Arts for the Handicapped, thanking her for her contribution to arts programming for the handicapped, recognizing her What If You Couldnt exhibit.

Creator(s): National Committee of Arts for the Handicapped

Keywords: awards, appreciation, recognition, arts programming, Janet Kamien

Date: n.d.

Description: The Braille writer featured in the What If You Couldn't...? exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: what if you couldn't exhibit, special needs, interactive exhibits

Date: n.d.

Description: A child explores blindess at the What If You Couldn't...? exhibit by being blind-folded and playing with a ball.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: special needs, what if you couldn't?, interactive exhibits

Date: n.d.

Description: Depiction of how talk back boards were included in the What If You Couldn't...? exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: talk back boards, what if you couldn't? exhibit, interactive exhibits, exhibit evaluation

Date: n.d.

Description: A bird's-eye view of a child using a wheelchair at the What If You Couldn't? exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: what if you couldn't? exhibit, interactive exhibits, exhibit design and production

Date: to be entered

Description: A photograph that showcases the What If You Couldn't? exhibit's ability to prompt self-reflection while considering individuals with special needs. Also includes a close-up look at the design of the exhibit.

Creator(s): BCM

Keywords: what if you couldn't?, special needs, social-emotional learning, exhibit design, exhibit construction

Date: n.d.

Description: A photograph that showcases the What If You Couldn't? exhibit's ability to prompt self-reflection while considering individuals with special needs. Also includes a close-up look at the design of the exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: what if you couldn't?, special needs, social-emotional learning, exhibit design, exhibit construction

Date: n.d.

Description: A photograph of the What If You Couldn't? exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: what if you couldn't exhibit, special needs, exhibit design, exhibit production

Date: n.d.

Description: Children explore what it would be like to live with blindess at the What If You Couldn't...? exhibit. The children pictured here are blind-folded, and may be getting assistance from the sighted children gathered nearby.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: special needs, what if you couldn't? learning through play, experimental learning, interactive exhibits

Date: n.d.

Description: The equipment used in the What If You Couldn't...? exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: what if you couldn't? exhibit, exhibit design, exhibit construction, exhibit materials, special needs, interactive exhibits

Date: n.d.

Description: A close-up of the What If You...Couldn't Hear as Well as Everyone Else? portion of the What If You Couldn't? Exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: special needs, what if you couldn't? exhibit, exhibit design and construction

Date: n.d.

Description: A child uses a wheelchair and elevator in the What If You Couldn't...? exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: interactive exhibits, what if you couldn't, special needs

Date: n.d.

Description: An adult visitor participating in the What If You Couldn't...? exhibit. The visitor reads about diverse learners under an interactive flap board.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: special needs, diverse learning, what if you couldn't? exhibit, exhibit design and construction, interactive exhibits

Date: n.d.

Description: A story board featuring the ways in which people living with blindess are supported by sighted people, as well as seeing-eye dogs and other devices. Used in the What If You Couldn't? exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: special needs, what if you couldn't? exhibit, story boards

Date: n.d.

Description: A series of photographs from the What If You Couldn't...? exhibit. Includes photographs of children using the interactive aspects of the exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: special needs, what if you couldn't, interactive exhibits

Date: to be entered

Description: A child uses a braille typewriter in the What If You Couldn't...? exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: what if you couldn't? exhibit, interactive exhibits, visitor participation

Date: to be entered

Description: A young boy uses crutches in the What If You Couldn't? exhibit in order to share in the experience of using crutches with those who use them.

Creator(s): BCM

Keywords: what if you couldn't? exhibit, special needs, interactive exhibits

Date: to be entered

Description: A downloadable version of a PowerPoint presentation about the What If You Couldn't? exhibit. Includes many photographs and descriptions of the aspects of the exhibit.

Creator(s): BCM

Keywords: special needs, what if you couldn't? exhibit

Date: n.d.

Description: Visitors are pictured using an interactive feature at the What If You Couldn't? exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: special needs, what if you couldn't? exhibit, interactive exhibits

Date: n.d.

Description: A photograph of a story panel featured in What If You Couldn't?, which asks children how having a disability might change the way they have fun.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: special needs, what if you couldn't?, story boards

Date: n.d.

Description: A photograph of the hearing section at the What If You Couldn't? exhibit. Interactive features are included in photograph.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: what if you couldn't? exhibit, interactive exhibits, exhibit design and production

Date: to be entered

Description: A young boy uses interactive puppets at the What If You Couldn't? exhibit.

Creator(s): BCM

Keywords: interactive exhibits, special needs, what if you couldn't exhibit, interactive design and construction

Date: n.d.

Description: A child uses a puppet interactive featured in the What If You Couldn't? exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: what if you couldn't, museum interactives, exhibit design, exhibit construction

Date: n.d.

Description: A full-view of the interactive puppets featured at the What If You Couldn't? exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: interactive exhibits, what if you couldn't? exhibit, exhibit design and production

Date: n.d.

Description: This photograph shows another view of the introduction panel at the What If You Couldn't? exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: special needs, what if you couldn't? exhibit, exhibit introductions, exhibit design

Date: to be entered

Description: A photograph of one of the introduction panels at the What If You Couldn't? exhibit. The photograph also features both child and adult visitors.

Creator(s): BCM

Keywords: what if you couldn't? exhibit, introduction panels, exhibit design and production

Date: n.d.

Description: A close-up of a section of the What If You Couldn't? exhibit, where visitors are encouraged to think about the question: What if you were smart...but you always have trouble understanding your teache's directions?

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: special needs, what if you couldn't? exhibit, exhibit design and construction, diverse learners and learning

Date: n.d.

Description: Two visitors using the puppet interactive at the What If You Couldn't? exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: what if you couldn't exhibit, interactive exhibits, exhibit design and production

Date: n.d.

Description: A photograph of the introduction to the What If You Couldn't? exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: introductions, exhibit design, exhibit production, special needs, what if you couldn't? exhibit

Date: n.d.

Description: A photograph of the What If You Couldn't? exhibit, where children are invited to think about what it would be like to live with a disability and feel as if others did not accept or understand you. Also features a close up of how the exhibit was designed and constructed.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: what if you couldn't? exhibit, special needs, social-emotional learning, exhibit design, exhibit construction

Date: to be entered

Description: A photograph of a story board used in What If You Couldn't? The story board includes a reflection about children about their experiences living with special needs.

Creator(s): BCM

Keywords: special needs, interactive exhibits, what if you couldn't?, story boards

Date: to be entered

Description: A close-up of a story board panel in the What If You Couldn't? exhibit, which features a section on living with a vision disability.

Creator(s): BCM

Keywords: what if you couldn't? exhibit, special needs, interactive exhibits, story boards

Date: to be entered

Description: A photograph of the What If You Couldn't? exhibit, where a child uses the interactive features of the exhibit used to explore vision disabilities.

Creator(s): BCM

Keywords: special needs, what if you couldn't? exhibit, interactive exhibits, exhibit design and construction

Date: to be entered

Description: A full-text version of Janet Kamien's What If You Couldn't? A Book About Special Needs. This text provides insights into what it might be like to live with a special need.

Creator(s): Janet Kamien, author

Keywords: special needs, programming for children with special needs, museum publications, community outreach, community engagement

Date Original: ca 1973

Description: Proposal for training requirements of Children's Museum staff members regarding accessibility for handicapped individuals.

Creator(s): Kamien, Janet, Susan Porter, and Amy Goldblas- authors

Keywords: memo, training, staff, special needs, accessibility

Date Original: March 24, 1983

Description: Article describing the What if You Couldnt...? program at Malden Public Schools.

Creator(s): Medford Malden Mass, New England Newsclip, publisher

Keywords: publicity, news coverage, community outreach

Date Original: n.d.

Description: Review in "Museum News" of Janet Kamien's book, "What if You Couldnt... A Book About Special Needs."

Creator(s): Carolyn P. Blackmon, author; Museum News, publisher

Keywords: publicity, review, what if you couldnt?

Date Original: n.d.

Description: Big Box Exhibits flyer describing the "What if You Couldnt...?" exhibit, specifications, and fees.

Creator(s): Big Box Exhibits

Keywords: flyer, promotion, exhibits, travelling exhibits.

Date Original: n.d.

Description: A young child on a telephone, part of the What If You Couldnt...? exhibit.

Creator(s): Boston Children's Museum

Keywords: exhibits, audience, visitors, participation

Date: ca. 1993

Description: An essay written by Janet Kamien titled What's Mentionable is Manageable: Dealing with Sensitive Topics in Children's Museums.

Creator(s): Janet Kamien, author

Keywords: museum staff publications, controversial exhibits, exhibit planning, exhibit design

Date: to be entered

Description: Janet Kamien's Whose Fault is it Anyway? explores who's responsible for making museum exhibits and facilities accessible for all museum visitors.

Creator(s): Janet Kamien, author

Keywords: special needs, accessibility, museum staff publications, what if i couldn't