Story-Based Research, Starr

It is a logical presumption that research styles and methods vary amongst different fields. For some disciplines, analytical or formulaic research provides the most beneficial conclusions to be applied to current practices. Museum Studies, however, is very interdisciplinary in nature. It follows, then, that the research we review in this field is such as well. Some studies lean to the analytics, while other focus on qualitative observation and story. Thus far in our research review, I’ve been most intrigued in the research studies which have employed the power of narrative to engage the reader with their topic.

One such example of story-focused research is Adam Stienberg’s work at the Tenement Museum, “What We Talk About When We Talk About Food: Using Food to Teach History at the Tenement Museum”. In his writing, Steinberg engages the reader through elements of creative writing – something that one would not often expect in formal research. In doing so, the reader is able to connect to the study personally, and “experience” the Museum’s work vicariously. While such language would likely not be utilized in formal research for other fields, the storytelling nature of this study connects to the intended museum-centric audience in a more effective way.

“But something is missing — something you would find in abundance in any tenement back in the day: food. Lots of food. Not fancy and expensive food. Not imported and organic food. But simple, filling, tasty, tangy, mouthwatering food.”[1]

Similarly, Emily Fekete’s research study on the sociocultural significance of the upstate New York delicacy, “I Know When I’m Having One: The Cultural Significance of the Garbage Plate in Rochester, NY”. In the study, Fekete effectively employs storytelling to paint a picture for her readers, build a connection, and make her research accessible to museum and story-based professionals.

“I lived in Rochester for twenty years and frequently visit the city whenever I can. In that time I have eaten my fair share of Garbage Plates from various eating establishments and have found that the responses of the people I interviewed reflect many of my own feelings about the food and the city itself.”[2]

Each day our work in Museum Studies strives to build connections between objects, history, culture, and people. In order to this, Museums must discover how to make moments of the past relevant to engage with the lives of people today. This is often done by development of a greater story – something that is unifyingly human. For research to be most applicable to current practices, employing the power of narration relates what is learned in study to the dialogues within institutions every day.  

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[1] Adam Steinberg, “What We Talk About When We Talk About Food: Using Food to Teach at the Tenement Museum”, The Public Historian (2012): 80.

[2] Emily Fekete, “I Know When I’m Having One: The Cultural Significance of the Garbage Plate in Rochester, NY”, Material Culture (2014): 26-27.