I second both of these.

Susan B. Anthony House in Rochester is one of two museums that have evoked physical responses (the other being the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA). And with Anthony House and the Tenement Museum, it was the tour itself and the tour guide that really made the difference. Both really played up the sense of the place that you are in--the things that have happened Right. Here. Where. You. Are. Now.

I also want to give a shout out to Dumbarton House (not Oaks) in Washington, DC, because  I worked there in graduate school (hi, guys!). I was really impressed with the thoughtful way in which they approached their content, the discussions that went into developing the school tours for example. So it had less to do with an experience as a guest visiting the house, and more in seeing what they are trying to do.

-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Cindy Boyer
Sent: Thursday, August 09, 2012 10:20 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Most inspirational house museum?

What an interesting question - hope there are lots of replies.

Two come to mind for me:  The Susan B. Anthony House here in Rochester NY.  Not so much for what is done there today (although they do a fine job) but for what happened there during Miss Anthony's residence.

The other is the Tenement Museum in NYC - it's the place that felt the least changed to me of all the places I've visited - as if the immigrants were still there.  Combined with an interpreter telling a student group to "Use the stair handrail on your way upstairs - let your DNA mingle with the DNA of all those who have used it in the past." 

I'd also be interested in hearing from folks if the place was inspirational because of what the staff is doing now, or because of what you bring to the place - personal meaning.  I won't mention a third site that is incredibly meaningful to me; but the management and interpretation of it makes me very sad. 

Cindy Boyer
Director of Public Programs
The Landmark Society of Western New York
133 S. Fitzhugh St.
Rochester NY  14608
(585) 546-7029 ext. 12
[log in to unmask]
Fax:  (585) 546-4788
 


The Landmark Society:  Celebrating 75 years as one of America's oldest and most active preservation organizations!

www.landmarksociety.org
Facebook 

-----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


Sent from my iPhone
=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).