Experts in the Field: Lessons from Henry Sweets

Thursday, January 5, 2017 12:30 PM by Taylor Studios in Professional and Industry Tips


We have the privilege and honor of working with some of the brightest minds in the museum and visitor experience industry. After 25 years of creating experiences with these incredible individuals we thought it would be fruitful to share their career paths, advice and stories with you.

Henry Sweets is the executive director of the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal, MO. He was a recent recipient of the “Legacy Director and Curator” Award in the Spring 2016 edition of the Mark Twain Journal. We have been friends of Henry since our first project with the museum in 2000.

Taylor Studios: How did you first get involved in the museum industry?

Henry: I grew up in Hannibal. I got a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and wanted to teach. Though I enjoyed teaching high school my interest in history lead me to study for a Masters in History Museum Studies. I then joined the Mark Twain Museum in 1978 as a curator and now serves as the executive director.

Taylor Studios: What is the most challenging moment you’ve experienced while developing new exhibits?

Henry: It’s developing the story line. In many exhibits there is more information than you can use and in others there isn’t enough. You have to meld it down and then put it in a form that appeals to visitors.

Taylor Studios: What’s your best advice for someone starting his or her first exhibit project?

Henry: Determine the purpose of the exhibit. Know your audience and the time they will have to engage with your exhibits. Understand its overall place in the museum setting.

Taylor Studios: What exhibit (anywhere, anytime) has made the greatest impression on you?

Henry: The Abe Lincoln Museum in Springfield, IL shows what can be done with a big subject and a big budget. I recently visited the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, AZ. It’s a wonderful story. The building was designed for displaying the collection.

Taylor Studios: How did you get to where you are today?

Henry: It was on the job training. I wasn’t a literature major, so had to read on the subject. Conferences have also been helpful.

Taylor Studios: Which exhibit within your museum has been the most popular among your visitors? Why?

Henry: Mark Twain’s books with the interactive elements.

Taylor Studios: What would you do differently?

Henry: I would have developed a master plan for the exhibits sooner. Major planning should be done early. It will keep you on the same theme. When changes come you can implement better. Use it as a guide.

Thank you Henry for sharing your thoughts! It’s always helpful to learn from those that have been there, done that. We hope to bring you more insight and wisdom from those who are “in the trenches”. What questions do you have for our next interview?

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