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]




- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Change ICOM-L subscription options, unsubscribe, and search the
archives at:  http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/icom-l.html