Chapter One- “In the Service of Society”

If you are not reading The Social Work of Museums here is what you missed:

Silverman starts out chapter one with a few narrative examples of what contemporary social work in a museum looks like.  She then continues by talking about concerns that arise when museums do choose to pursue a path of social work.  It is interesting to read about the objections she presents, which range from social work not meeting the museum’s mission to museum professionals not being qualified to do social work (pg. 3).  Silverman then spends some time focusing on the history of social work in museums.  She generates a list of participating museums that include some lesser known traveling exhibits and neighborhood museums.  Discussing museum examples from the past gives her work credibility.  Her main point from chapter one emerges as she relates the fact that museums have always conducted social work with the importance of them continuing social work (pg. 13).  She ends by discussing social work in the contemporary museum setting focusing on the idea of relationships.

Think About It:

The two parts of chapter one that I found the most fascinating are the contrasting rich history of museums and social work, and the fear that some people have about contemporary museums being a place of social work.   What parts about museums and social work are you most excited about?  Do you have any concerns about museums being involved in social work?

Social Work of Museums: Chapter One

Silverman’s first chapter discusses the healing power of museums. Through helping individuals make meaning from and with objects they are able to learn more about themselves and the surrounding world. Additionally, museums allow people to gain access social capital through common interests, ultimately aiding a greater civic and democratic identity.

Silverman moves through the five major movements for museums (Mouseoins, Cabinets of curiosities, public museums and settlement house museums, traveling exhibits, and integrated museums, ecomuseums and neighborhood museums). Through this historical framework she indicates how museums have promoted social work practices. Examples are given for everything from traveling health exhibits to describing the philanthropy of cabinets of curiosities.

The concept of museums approaching an individual’s civic and democratic identity is intriguing to me. How can a museum serve a public through developing their social consciousness? How should they facilitate such a transformative experience? The exhibit and public programs appear to serve this purpose through providing an in depth view on selected topics that are (hopefully) related to the public’s needs.

I had never considered the historical depth and breadth of social work in museums. Knowing that museums have, to some degree, tackled social issues helps to build the future context I see for this industry. I hope to use museums as safe spaces which can address community needs with the community through public programs and exhibitions. Silverman’s historical assessment of social work in museums allows me to move forward with my goals knowing that museums are accustomed to such actions and behaviors.