The editor addresses historical questions concerning the importance of local museums in the communities. The creation/ development of memories and how they are impacted by local museums are important topics to give further consideration.
The editor argues, “local museums are central to understanding the forces that create communities in the United States” (Levin, 2007, p. 25). Levin utilize other researchers/writers to explore various types of museums and their impact on communities over time in order to sufficiently support her argument. Despite the constant restraints that local museums face, it is important that America keeps them alive for many reasons. As the collection makes obvious, museums are constantly changing, yet they reflect spirits of a specific time or era. They have a major impact for communities because they create/develop the memory of the residents. Perhaps, giving them something to be proud of and/or share with their children; creating more memories.
This argument, the importance of local museums in communities, is indeed persuasive and valid. Levin uses a collection of articles that discuss various local museums, the history, and the impact they have local communities. The article in the collection has many focuses; constant changes, funding, popularity, locations, etc. I really like how the Levin separated the collection of articles in six parts. I think it is very helpful to a reader not familiar with Public History and museums.
As the editor of the book, Levin knows the exact intention of the collection of articles concerning the importance of local museums and defining memory. The framework section had a great impact for me. It helped me to with my personal ability to gain more perspective into my own studies. In my research, I look at the impact and representation that public libraries had during the Civil Right Movement. I did not think of Civil Rights museums as a resource to access the residents for Oral History projects, or as a way to gain a different perspective from White residents of the time.
This book is not just for those who are studying history or museums. It is also for those who are patrons to the museums. Overall, I found this book to be one of those outlook changing books. Especially with my studies of public libraries and the impact they have had throughout history. More than likely, I will use and think of this book when I am thinking about the how people obtain and define public history.
Reference:
Levin, A. K. (2007). Defining memory: Local museums and the construction of history in
America's changing communities. Lanham: AltaMira Press.
In my analysis of Defining Memory, I meant to address the changes in museums and how they reflect the history of the community at a specific time. I am glad you addressed it in your analysis, because it is an important aspect of museums. In “The House of the Seven Gables: A House Museum’s Adaptation to Changing Societal Expectations since 1910,” Tami Christopher addresses the changes made to the curriculum and tour literature of the House of the Seven Gables. In my minimal understanding of museums, I find it to be important to historical research to understand the relevance of change in museums and the larger changes in society and culture that generally affect these changes. Christopher’s chapter also exemplifies how wonderfully Defining Memory addresses numerous topics and themes pertaining to smaller museums. I agree with you that the text is useful and an important tool in examining museums and public history as a whole.
ReplyDeleteI like how you've 'discovered' another side to your research on public libraries by anticipating the incorporation of oral histories from Civil Rights museums. I did expect you to comment more on the gradual inclusion of minority voices in museum narratives though, and you touched upon it broadly about halfway through. As part of the New Social History movement, the emphasis on previously unheard perspectives would be particularly useful when looking at the Civil Rights movement and its representation in local memory. Sounds like you have a very interesting project!
ReplyDeleteI thought the power relationships between museums, corporations, and communities was brilliantly illustrated in this book. Not only does it explain how public history can be defined and how it is obtained, it explains how it is produced and why it is that public history is important. By exploring the pedagogical value of small museums, they are legitimized as not only "places to see old stuff" but as educational institutions.
ReplyDelete