Joint Statement on Museums and Ferguson: First Anniversary

On December 11, 2014, and in the days following a number of us posted a joint statement expressing our concern about museums’ lack of recognition of the underlying causes of the events in Ferguson (writ large). The statement has had both immediate and continuing impact, so I think it’s worth republishing it, and reflecting on…

Practical and Compassionate Advice on Museums and Community Conflict

I’m so happy to feature the following guest post from Melanie Adams, Managing Director of Community Education and Events at the Missouri History Museum and President of the Association of Midwest Museums. 슠The Missouri History Museum has been extremely responsive to all of the issues surrounding the events in August in nearby Ferguson, MO. 슠For…

Remember Bhopal Museum: A Victory for Museums of Difficult History

Almost 27 years ago, 42 tons of the poisonous methyl isocyanate gas escaped from the American pesticide factory Union Carbide in Bhopal. 슠It killed about 4,00 people in the first few days, and eventually left over 14,000 dead. It has been called the world’s worst industrial disaster, and residents say that even today, more than…

Museums and the Marathon Bombings: New Perspectives

Last week I posted a reflection슠on the varied responses of museums in Boston in the immediate aftermath of the Marathon Bombings–from closing in honor of the victims to free admission in solidarity with the community 슠to direct outreach to the injured children and families.This week I direct you to two thoughtful and heartfelt posts, Our…

Whatever Is Unspoken Becomes Unspeakable

Whatever is unspoken becomes unspeakable Whatever is unspeakable becomes unthinkable Whatever is unthinkable ceases to exist. Harmony Hammond, artist These words reflect the theme of the panel session I attended on Saturday, January 21, 2012 at the Brooklyn Museum in New York. Entitled Sexuality and the Museum, the roundtable discussion was organized by Jonathan Katz,…