Getting Started with Exhibit Writing

As a content writer, subject-matter expert, or editor, you'll create the initial draft of exhibit text that makes scholarly research and primary sources accessible to a broad public audience. The presentation below walks you through finding your topic, understanding what makes forgingUS exhibits different, and our collaborative drafting process.

What You'll Find Here

• Writing Exhibits presentation – Our complete guide covering the difference between academic and public writing, how to find your topic, writing strategies for accessibility, working with primary sources, and the four-step collaborative process from pitch to draft

• Content templates and wireframes – Structural models for organizing your exhibit sections

What to Expect

Plan to spend 10-15 hours drafting your exhibit, about the same as preparing a conference paper. Write naturally at this stage; the forgingUS team will work with you in later steps to refine accessibility and structure. At this stage, focus on:

• developing a clear central question or theme

• introducing relevant primary sources

• highlighting multiple historical perspectives

Remember: Start by writing the way you normally would. Focus on addressing a central question or topic, drawing on primary sources, and highlighting the variety of historical perspectives. This is where your expertise shines. We will work with you to refine your content for online readability.