Introduction: the mission of display -- ""A vision of the future"" : the new museum idea and display reform, 1890-1915 -- The drama of the diorama, 1910-1935 -- Displays in motion : experimentation and stagnation in exhibition, 1925-1940 -- Diversifying displays, diverging museums : postwar life science education, 1941-1956 -- ""An investment in the future of America"" : competing pedagogies in post-Sputnik museums, 1957-1969 -- The exploratorium effect : redefining relevance and interactive display, 1969-1980 -- From diversity to standardization : edutainment and engagement in museums at the end of the century, 1976-2005.