Newseum.org

I initially selected this site after visiting the Newseum two summers ago. I was skeptical about the use of the site to future journalists. My thinking being that the sites main purpose is to attract visitors to the museum itself. After navigating the site for a short time, I discovered that I was not far off.

Newseum.org features several main tabs including: tickets, plan your visit, news, theatres and exhibitions, programs, education, fun and games and host an event. Right away you can tell that the sites main function is to share what the Newseum is doing and to try and get you to the museum.

Although the site services tourist rather than journalist, I still felt that the news tab would supply an adequate dose of the news. However, I came to find that the news tab was about news having to do with the Newseum itself rather than a daily record of important events. This tab seems to be updated on a weekly basis, which means that it is not always timely. The exhibits tab tells of the exhibits at the museum and future exhibits at the museum. The programs tab tells of different programs being filmed at the museum. The programs would be very beneficial to attend, however, again this seems to be aimed at tourists rather than journalists. The plan your visit tab gives you very basic information about the museum such as its location and telephone number. The education tab serves teachers and parents who may bring students to Washington to visit the Newseum. The fun and games tab includes simple games for elementary age children. The host an event tab gives information about hosting an event at the Newseum.

In conclusion, I would advise to stay away from Newseum.org if you are looking for informative material and a daily record. The site is an excellent source of information if you are planning to visit Washington D.C. It provides information about exhibits, ticket prices and special events at the museum. Having visited the Newseum I would advise anyone visiting Washington to visit. It is one of the newer museums on the mall and its exhibits are informative and entertaining. It covers many different areas of journalism including: broadcast, radio, print and photography. The Newseum provides insight into some of the greatest journalistic works in history. The site, however, does little for a working journalist.