This book by Dr. Priyanka Joshi explores the deeper purpose and practice of museums-not as static halls of the past, but as active spaces of learning, dialogue, and cultural care. Drawing on research and thoughtful reflection, she takes readers behind the scenes to reveal how museums curate stories, engage communities, and preserve heritage. Written in an accessible, human style, the book is for students, educators, and curious minds alike. It reminds us that preserving culture is a shared responsibility, and that museums are vital, living institutions that help us connect with our past and imagine a more inclusive future.
Dr. Priyanka Joshi completed her high school education in Georgetown, Guyana, South America. She went on to pursue her B.A. in History from Nowrosjee Wadia College, Pune, and later earned her M.A. with first rank from the Department of History at the University of Pune (now Savitribai Phule Pune University). In 2014, she was awarded her Ph.D. from the same university for her thesis titled "Films and History - A Critical Study of Select Hindi Films (1950-2008)", completed under the guidance of Dr. Radhika Seshan. She has also been the recipient of a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) from the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), New Delhi.
Since June 2015, Dr. Joshi has been working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of History at PES' Modern College of Arts, Science, and Commerce (Autonomous), Shivajinagar, Pune - 5, where she is currently also serving as the acting Head of the Department. Over the years, she has presented papers at numerous conferences and seminars, and her articles have appeared in respected journals and edited volumes. In addition to her academic writing, she is also an accomplished fiction writer, with three novels and several contributions to anthologies to her name. She has previously published three academic books: Heritage Studies: A Compendium, Cultural Echoes: Understanding Popular Culture, and Historical Horizons: The Confluence of History and Tourism.
An avid traveller, Dr. Joshi has explored 14 countries and visited almost every major city in India, weaving her love for history into each journey. Her travels have also taken her to some of the world's most celebrated museums - from renowned international institutions to treasured museums across India - enriching her understanding and deepening her passion for heritage and culture.
