Museums and democracy

The keynote address today at the ICOM conference was by George Heins, a well respected American museum professional, who writes a lot about the role of museums in society. His talk was really fabulous. He talked about John Dewey's philosophical belief, like Thomas Jefferson's, in the importance of education to create and sustain a democratic nation. John Dewey applied this to museums, talking about the crucial role of the museum in educating citizens in the 19th century, indeed before there was free public education for all citizens. And he of course did not mean educate in terms of inform. He meant--as Jefferson his friend and contemporary had--that the only way to fight against the tyranny of authoritative regimes would be to have a citizenry that really knew how to think for itself, was enlightened and curious, inspired by the wonder of the world but confident in man's ability to understand it and improve it.

George also discussed ways in which the museum experience can itself be an embodiment of democratic principles, if it invites participation and presents information in a non-authoritarian manner. He also discussed the growth of museums whose particular mission was one of social justice through a radical, progressivist agenda, like those in the Sites of Consciousness network.

But even in a less obvious sense, by providing a crucial forum for adult education, museums maintain the democratic spirit which in fact is always being eroded by the human tendency towards hierarchy and the consolidation of power and authority. Without opportunities to think and reflect in an open, engaging setting, we can loose sight of the responsibility each of us has to be free thinking and aware of our world, especially important in a democratic country.

The papers afterwards picked up on many of these themes--the one on the Museum of Independence in Columbia was especially amazing. All very cool and a bit heady. But it was nice to speak to a Dutch lady at lunch, who gushed about how much better American museums are at organizing their exhibitions around an educational agenda, taking the time in fact to curate exhibitions that engage at many levels. So that was nice to hear.

Anyhow, between the heavy talks and the heavy lunch, I need a nap!