Abstract
Historic houses are often understood as ‘time capsules’ since they preserve an original historic environment and often strive to keep things exactly as they were. However, historic houses are currently being encouraged to re-think their grand narratives and traditions of interpretation through the lens of contemporary society. This is further emphasized by the brand new ICOM museum definition which includes a new focus on interpretation, accessibility, and diversity. So how can historic house museums, as a distinct type of museum, open the time capsules and become relevant, by including contemporary perspectives in their interpretations of the buildings and collections? What are the pressing issues for Danish house museums in terms of becoming relevant and accessible for a diverse audience today? This paper outlines some of the challenges for historic house museums in Denmark, when it comes to re-thinking and re-defining their role and value in contemporary society, considering the new ICOM definition. It also brings forth and discusses examples of how historic house museums across Denmark are attempting re-define themselves through more inclusive interpretive strategies and community engagement.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2023 Special Focus—Museum Transformations: Pathways to Community Engagement
KEYWORDS
HISTORIC HOUSES, INCLUSION, INTERPRETATION, COLLECTIONS, MUSEUM DEFINITIONS
