Report on the 13th Lecture Series
The Department of History, Dimapur Government College, organized its 13th lecture series via virtual mode on 24th October 2026, on the topic, “Beyond the Walls: The Art and Science of Museum Architecture and Display”, with Dr. S. Vetriselvi, Asst. Superintending Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India, Trichy Circle as the resource person.
The session was chaired by Dr. Ngutoli Y. Swu, Asst. professor and Ms. Lily Rino, Head of the Department of History delivered the welcome address.
The speaker began by explaining the origin of the word ‘Museum’ and discussed the types of museums on the basis of organization i.e. National, State, District, Site and Institutional museums.
She elaborated on the seven core functions of museums: acquisition, preservation, documentation, exhibition, education and research, publication and public relations. She also traced the origin and evolution of museums in India.
Further, the lecture covered display techniques and interpretation; introductory panel, section panel and object labels with emphasis on bilingual interpretation. Documentation practices including manual registers and digital documentation through JATAN software developed by C-DAC Pune, with Goa and Nagarjunakonda museums in first phase, were explained.Finally, object conservation through scientific techniques of temperature and humidity control was discussed.
The lecture concluded with the key message that a good museum does not merely show an object but explains why it matters, and the responsibility of a museum professional is to preserve authenticity while making heritage accessible to present and future generations.The session ended with an interactive discussion and vote of thanks proposed by Ms NingshijunglaLongchar, Associate Professor, Department of History.
Recorded by:
( Dr. Vivi Swu )
Assoc. Professor
Department of History