The Changing Face of Public History: The Chicago Historical Society and the Transformation of an American Museum - Softcover

Lewis, Dan A.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0875806023 ISBN 13: 9780875806020

Publisher: Northern Illinois University Press, 2005

Synopsis

Spurred first by the civil rights debates of the 1960s and 1970s, then by the culture wars of the following decades, the Chicago Historical Society (CHS) increasingly sought to give visitors and patrons a voice in retelling the city's history. In response to debates over the authority to interpret the past, CHS engaged in community outreach and sponsored multicultural exhibits and programs. Yet, in this analysis of the society's evolving relationship with its diverse constituencies, Catherine M. Lewis finds that prevailing assumptions about the museum as a commemorative site dedicated to civic pride undermined CHS's bold attempts to create a public forum.

Based on more than 250 interviews with staff at CHS and museums around the country, as well as research into formerly inaccessible public and private papers, The Changing Face of Public History offers a behind-the-scenes look at the ways in which one of the most innovative museums in the United States has continually grappled with issues confronting not only museum professionals but all those concerned about the role history plays in the lives of American citizens.

About this title

About the Author

Catherine M. Lewis is Special Projects Coordinator at the Atlanta History Center and Associate Professor of History and Women's Studies at Kennesaw State University.

Edition details

• Publisher: Northern Illinois University Press
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0875806023
• ISBN 13: 9780875806020
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 184