First of all, I just need to say is this dude needs to chill and learn how to have some fun. I agree, museums are for "the preservation, collection, display and study of precious objects," but then what? Why preserve, collect, display and study anything if we don't interpret and educate? I am a curator, and no I don't have time to do much research, and I wish I did. But I love my job which includes caring for the objects in my collection, creating and updating exhibits, and providing educational programming. I am also on my state Native American Remains Repatriation committee. Museums aren't just about the objects. Museums are about us - you, me, our visitors, our culture. Museums should be making a connection with us. As an archaeologist, I can look into a case filled with pottery and get pretty excited, but the average visitor won't get much out of it except maybe an general understanding that they are old and were made by Native Americans. Provide some interpretation - a brief label explaining this pot was used to cook food such as corn, and this pot was used to store grain. Then the visitor can picture actually cooking in one of these pots or storing some pasta in one. You've made a connection! NOW the objects have meaning. NOW museums have a purpose.
Kari Carlisle
Museum Curator
Fremont Indian State Park and Museum
(435) 527-4631
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>>> [log in to unmask] 03/22/06 10:38 AM >>>
Has anyone else on the list seen this article?
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/printFriendly/0,,1-6-2090955-6,00.html
I'm amazed that this essay won an award for its answer to the question of "What are museums for?" given that he gets so much wrong. Comments?
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