Independent writing. Museum-focused stories.Objects / Exhibitions / Archives

A source-led approach

Follow the story
back to its source.

Useful starting points for reading museum records, checking exhibition information, and placing an object in context.

01 / Research starting point

Official museum website

Start with the institution itself for its own announcements, exhibition information, and institutional context.

Visit the source

02 / Research starting point

Museum collections

Use the official collection overview as a starting point for objects and archive-related research. Follow individual catalogue records when available.

Visit the source

03 / Research starting point

Exhibition information

Consult the museum’s own exhibition pages before describing a display as current, upcoming, or past.

Visit the source

04 / Research starting point

Research library

Explore the museum’s own research-library information and supporting records. Check the source page for any access requirements.

Visit the source

05 / Research starting point

Library of Congress

Consult primary-source collections for wider historical context. Keep a clear distinction between a Library of Congress item and a Santa Monica museum holding.

Visit the source

06 / Research starting point

Smithsonian Open Access

Explore openly available collection resources and check the rights statement attached to each item. Do not imply that another institution’s object belongs to the Santa Monica museum.

Visit the source

Read the record, not just the image

Before relying on a source, note the institution, object or record identifier, stated date, description, and any restrictions on reuse. A familiar-looking image is not enough to establish ownership, provenance, or a Santa Monica connection.

These are external research links, not business listings or endorsements. Availability and access terms are controlled by the source institutions.

Our sourcing standards