Museums and Memories: Remembering the Past in Local and Community Museums

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Janis Wilton

Abstract

This article explores the memories created and promoted through museums. It pays attention to the roles of curators, communities and critics as they argue about who controls the memories put on display. It investigates the ways in which the memories and memorialising of founding collectors and collections influence the form and messages of museums. Finally, it ponders the nature and impact of the memorable museum moments which visitors take with them.

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Articles (PEER REVIEWED)
Author Biography

Janis Wilton, University of New England

Janis Wilton teaches history at the University of New England. Her areas of research and teaching focus particularly on oral history, ethnic community histories, and history and museums. Her most recent publication is Golden Threads: The Chinese in Regional NSW 1850-1950 (2004) which was awarded the Country Energy National Trust Heritage Community (Individuals) Award in 2005. There is also a Golden Threads website (http://amol.org.au/goldenththreads) and travelling exhibition.