FOUNDATIONS OF OLFACTORY MUSEOLOGY AND OLFACTORY STORYTELLING ONLINE

This multisensory course introduces participants to the practices and theories of using scent as a medium for cultural interpretation and public engagement. The lecture explores how olfactory experiences can be integrated into exhibitions, education, and public programming, with attention to event formats, scent design, storytelling techniques, accessibility, and risk management. Participants will learn how to thoughtfully incorporate scent into GLAMs (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums), deepening audience connection, enhancing memory, and expanding inclusive, multisensory access to heritage topics.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the foundational theories and principles behind the anthropology of the senses and its role in cultural perception and interpretation.
• Master the benefits, challenges, and ethical considerations of incorporating scent into public-facing projects, including issues of accessibility, cultural sensitivity, and risk management.
• Analyze the use of scent in exhibitions, educational contexts, and public programming within GLAM (gallery, library, archive and museum) environments.
• Learn to Design a basic olfactory storytelling concept, integrating scent into a proposed exhibition, program, or interpretive format.
• Learn to Identify appropriate scent materials, delivery methods, and event formats suited for different interpretive goals and audiences.
• Critically reflect on case studies and real-world examples to develop an informed, thoughtful approach to olfactory engagement in practice.

Olfactory Materials: Participants will receive a short list of easy to find materials to purchase or pull from their kitchen cabinets in preparation for the course.

*Class time is in EST. Please adjust that time to your timezone for your scheduling purposes.