Lecture and Discussion: “The Challenges and Opportunities of Making Public History”
September 26, 2019
The MA in Museum Professions program and the Institute of Museum Ethics in association with the Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums hosted a public lecture on September 26, 2019, featuring author, historian and museum professional Bob Beatty, Ph.D. Dr. Beatty presented a lively discussion on the world of history organizations, the most numerous of all museums, as they strive to commemorate the past and discern how to use the past to better understand the present and chart the future. Beatty shared major themes he documented in his 2017 book, An American Association for State and Local History Guide to Making Public History, and explored the challenges and opportunities that are important to any museum, nonprofit, and/or small business: entrepreneurship, change, transformation, possibility/opportunity and partnerships. He introduced themes of diversity and inclusion, relevance in museums, connecting with the local community, and the importance of history in society. MA in Museum Professions candidate Devon Mancini gave a short presentation to frame Dr. Beatty’s lecture using her history and museum background. Following Beatty’s lecture, Professor Gregory Stevens joined Dr. Beatty in a facilitated discussion with the audience over the opportunities and challenges of making public history. Watch an archived video of the full program here.
