Don't forget the AAM's Excellence and Equity!


***************************************************************************

On Wed, 7 Feb 1996, Doug Lantry wrote:

> For a sense of the wider ethos of museums, collecting, and the function
> of institutions that preserve the material past, take a look at:
>
> American Association of Museums.  _Museums for a New Century_.  Report of
> the Commission on Museums for a New Century.  Washington, D.C.: American
> Association of Museums, 1984.
>
> In particular, see ch. 2, "Stewards of a Common Wealth."  You might also
> take a look at:
>
> Noble, Joseph Veach.  "Museum Manifesto."  _Museum News_ 48:8 (April
> 1970):16-20.  He explains his view of museums' functions of acquisition,
> conservation, study, interpretation and display of objects.
>
> Finally, the following may help:
>
> Weil, Stephan E.  _Rethinking the Museum and Other Meditations_.
> Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution, 1990.
>
> Leon, Warren and Roy Rosenzweig (eds.).  _History Museums in the United
> States: A Critical Assessment.  Chicago: University of Illinois, 1989.
>
> The above are full of views relative to your question; I hope you find
> them useful.
>
> Regards,
> Doug
>
>
>
> ........................
> Doug Lantry
> University of Delaware
> [log in to unmask]
>
> On Tue, 6 Feb 1996, Karen Senger wrote:
>
> > Hello!  I am seeking help with research I am doing concerning the
> > "mission" of museums.  I understand each museum has it's own
> > distinctive reason for being, goals and purposes; but is there an
> > over-riding purpose for the museum (re. zoo, art museum, natural
> > history centre, etc)?  To preserve and educate is a necessary and
> > vital function, I agree; but for this research I must play the
> > "devil's advocate" and agrue the necessity of the museum for both
> > mankind as well as individuals of all socio-economic backgrounds.
> > All help and (constructive) opinions are appreciated.  Thank you.
> >
>