History Museums in the United States: A CRITICAL ASSESSMENT

by Warren Leon (Editor), Roy Rosenzweig (Editor)

Overview

Every year 100 million visitor’s tour historic houses and re-created villages, examine museum artifacts, and walk through battlefields. But what do they learn? What version of the past are history museums offering to the public? And how well do these institutions reflect the latest historical scholarship?
Fifteen scholars and museum staff members here provide the first critical assessment of American history museums, a vital arena for shaping popular historical consciousness. They consider the form and content of exhibits, ranging from Gettysburg to Disney World. They also examine the social and political contexts on which museums operate.
 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780252060649
Publisher:	University of Illinois Press
Publication date:	06/01/1989
Series:	Women in American History
Edition description:	Illini Books Edition
Pages:	360
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Warren Leon is director of interpretation at Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. Roy Rosenzweig is associate professor of history and director of the oral history program at George Mason University.

 

Editorial Reviews

Fifteen scholars and museum staffers critically review American history museums. They note exhibit form and content, social and political contexts, and suggest improvements. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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