Emotions in the History Museum

Abstract Research into communication strategies in museums and galleries has focused mainly on visitors’ learning and their cognitive responses. However, our thoughts and ideas are mediated through our emotions, which are historically and culturally situated. Using case studies, this chapter seeks to open a discussion about the place of emotions in museums. Focusing in particular on the discipline of history and history museums, it suggests that we need to pay more attention to affect and the emotions generated by the museum visit.