“Defining Museums"
1.The authors begin by explaining how different museum organizations define “museum.” How are the
definitions different or similar? Why do you think the authors are detailing these different definitions?
- What is the relationship of the museum to the public? To put it a different way, what is the museum’s
responsibility to their public? - Do you think museums have to have a collection to be a museum?
“The Origins of Museums”
Briefly outline the origin and history of museums as presented in this chapter.
How are museums similar to or different from libraries? (use both chapters to answer this one!)
Reading #2
Questions:
1.Why do you think that public service and public trust are key terms and ideas in this code of ethics? - How does public trust inform museum governance?
- How should collections be treated?
- What requirements does the Code of Ethics put on museum programs?
Reading#3
Questions:
1.What was the goal of the proposed exhibition and what was the process by which the curatorial team
pursued those goals? - How and why are museums “not neutral”? How was that specifically seen in the BMAG?
- How was BMAG tied to British colonialism? What effect do you think the connection had on the collection,
display, and interpretation of BMAG’s art? - How successful were the curatorial team in achieving their goals in the final exhibition?
- Why is decolonializing the museums so difficult?
Module 1 Reflection:
Choose a museum from the list linked here: List of Institutions.docxPreview the document and go to their
website. On the list are a variety of types of museums, including art, science, natural history, history, and more.
Choose the museum that reflects your interests and captures your imagination. Next week you will have to
identify which of these institutions you would like for your Project Group, so this is a time to explore them!
Explore the website of the museum you chose and write a 100-150 word reflection about the museum inspired
by the lectures and readings of the week. Here are some questions to consider: Why is it called a museum?
What is its history? Is it a member of the AAM and why is that important (or not)? Is it in need of
decolonization? Explain.
Sample Solution