Like Milton, I have great problems with the approach suggested by Giovanni.
Let us continue to call museums an institution (with a mission, staff,
collections, public, a building, etc.).
Besides, what is a site?
1. an area or piece of land where something was, is or will happen;
2. A place where something important happened.
For me a 'site of memory' can easily be a graveyard and a 'site of
knowledge' an academy of science ... Are they museums?!
Furthermore: museums care, interpret, study, exhibit, more then just
heritage and culture. Don't forget nature and science!
I plea for a down to earth and short definition that describes in clear and
unambiguous terms the basic functions of a museum:
"Museums are institutions that keep collections for research and
presentation"
Best regards,
Steven W.G. de Clercq
Utrecht University, senior consultant Academic Heritage
Vice-Chair of UMAC, ICOM's International Committee for University Museums
& Collections
website: <http://www.icom.museum/umac>
Straatweg 17, 3603 CV MAARSSEN, the Netherlands
Tel: OO31-(0)346-567.573; Fax: 0031-(0)346-578.843
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
__________________________________________________________________________
On 15-12-2003 15:05, "Gary Edson" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> On 12/14/03 5:48 AM, "tukuma muzejs" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> Dear colleagues: Giving consideration to the proposed definitions by
> Giovanni and Agrita, three options may be:
>
> One:
> Museums are sites of memory, knowledge, and the creation of identity that
> exist for the sustainability of society and that act through collecting,
> caring for, interpreting, and exhibiting the heritage of communities.
>
> Two:
> Museums are sites of memory, knowledge, and the creation of identity that
> sustain society through collecting, caring for, interpreting, and exhibiting
> heritage.
>
> Three:
> Museums are sites of memory, knowledge, creation of identity which act
> through collecting, taking care, interpreting and exhibiting the cultural
> heritage of communities.
>
> Assuming we continue this discussion, I continue to be concerned with the
> level of participation by the ICOM membership. We are working for ways to
> have more discussion in at least three languages. Concern has also been
> expressed about the limited number of ICOM members having access to ICOM-L.
> If anyone has a suggestion on how to bring this issue to the attention of
> more of the membership let me know.
>
> Gary Edson
> <[log in to unmask]>
>
>
>
>> Dear colleaques,
>> I followed the discussion about the new definition since its begining and
>> find very much to think ower. Each of participants has given his
>> contribution to this very important and vital matter for the words museums
>> community. At first I would like to thank Milton Bloch for a short rewiew of
>> development of the museums definition at very begining of this discussion.
>> It was great to see how museums definition became more and more society
>> orriented.
>> The next was the discussion about a meaning of the word museum and the
>> broadening of it speaking about sites, tangible and intangible heritage.
>> It seems for me that the very short definition written by Jiovanni Pinna is
>> a good explanation of meaning of the museum but there still exists the
>> question - what is a purpose of museums activities.
>> During the general Conference of ICOM in Stavanger Saroj Gose pointed out
>> that museums are able to foster the development of the society. Today we are
>> speaking about sustainable development and museums contribution to it.
>> On my mind it is important to describe the purpose of museum in the
>> definition. I would use Jiovanni's definition only adding that museums exist
>> for sustainability of society or sustainable development of society.
>>
>> So, it could be like that:
>>
>> Museums are sites of memory, knowledge, creation of identity which exist for
>> sustainability of society and
>> act through collecting, taking care, interpreting and exhibiting the
>> cultural heritage of communities.
>>
>> Excuse me for not so perfect English. I would be happy to hear other
>> oppinnions.
>> Sincerely yours,
>> Agrita Ozola,
>> Chairperson of ICOM Latvia,
>> Director of Tukums Museum
>> Harmonijas street 7, Tukums LV 3101
>> T.: +371 31 82 390
>> e-mail: [log in to unmask]
>>
>>
>>
>>
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