Historic Cherry Hill
New Tour Hailed as an Exciting Departure
Historic Cherry Hill's new tour is up and running, and it is not a stagnant creation. In an effort to collect ongoing feedback, for "The Rankins of Cherry Hill: Struggling with the Loss of Their World", we have created a corner in the house called "Visitors Respond," which poses questions designed to solicit reaction to, and understanding of the major tour themes. Visitors are invited to respond to one of three questions, or to leave general comments, which are then posted on the feedback board. Early responses tell us that the tour is both entertaining and informative. Following are some recent comments:
"I felt like time had stood still. I love history and enjoyed every step of the tour."
"Thank you so much for a delightful tour. The volunteers are doing a great job bringing the past back to life."
"The tour was fantastic. I enjoyed the way in which the family's personal stories were intertwined with that of the changing times and how it affected them."
"This tour's success can be attributed to the use of primary sources. These personal letters help make Cherry Hill 'come alive.' After viewing the house, I walk away with so much more than just images of historic pieces, but also with a slice of American society."'
"I felt this tour was one of the most fascinating and in-depth histories I've ever heard. I learned a lot and developed a feeling for who Catherine Rankin was."
"Very informative look at Albany's past. I highly recommend this tour to any visitor to the area, as well as natives to the Albany area who may never have been here."
"Thank you--I like the 'new' tour very much. The story approach--weaving the history of the family into one's progress through the rooms--makes the objects and the meanings behind them really come alive."
Other visitors have noted what family heirlooms they have saved, identified their favorite Cherry Hill "character", or commented on changes we continue to face in society today. These responses will be used as we develop seasonal changes and refine the tour themes. We will next develop a more formal and comprehensive evaluation tool that will collect background information on our visitors, as well as other helpful information such as how they learned about the museum.
Data collected from informal and formal evaluation is integral to developing high quality new programming, and to refining existing programs as needed, and we appreciate the time that visitors--or teachers following an on-site school program--take to help us improve our offerings.
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