I am least inspired by historic house museums that focus exclusively on the house's prior residents and their furniture and decorative arts, but when the museum places all those things in the wider context of social, cultural, or political history, then my visit becomes more meaningful.  For example, the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis is housed in the former castle of Swan Turnblad, the editor of a Swedish-language newspaper.  While the ASI does use his mansion to tell his personal story, they also use it to introduce visitors to many varied stories of immigration in general, and the spread of Swedish culture in America.


-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Mike Reuter
Sent: Wednesday, August 08, 2012 9:10 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Most inspirational house museum?

Colleagues:

In all of your years of experience, what is the most inspiring historic house museum that you've seen and why?

Thanks for your feedback!

Mike Reuter
Executive Director
Rock County Historical Society


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