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.
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