The Museum Message: Its Construction and Presentation.
Principal Investigator: Park, Linda K. (2)
Licence Number: 12269
Organization: Department of Anthropology and Sociology, University of Britishy Columbia
Licensed Year(s): 1993 1992
Issued: Jan 01, 1993
Project Team: Self

Objective(s): Objective is to explore the social processes through which knowledge is produced and disseminated at 4 Western Canadian museums with anthropological mandates, one of which is the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre. Practical objectives include developing: (1) an understanding of the conditions under which knowledge is produces and presented; (2) insights into how museum workers are responding to calls for change; and (3) insights into how museums and museums and anthropology itself might become more relevant to society.

Project Description: Public museums with anthropological mandates are increasingly being accused of racism, sexism, cultural elitism, and failing to represent wider community interests. Groups such as First Nation peoples are expressing their displeasure with the way in which museums are managing their cultural heritage, and they are calling for a new relationship between themselves and museums. This research will try to determine what is require to address these calls for change.