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RE: Prioritizing the Public in Public History
This is a really poignant hole missing in these pieces, and I also see a lot of parallels between this post and @cheider's post about the 1892 art exhibit that dared to make itself accessible to those outside of the upper class.
We say we're in the field of public history but in a way we haven't moved further beyond the time when museums were largely private exhibitions meant for an exclusive few. We can talk a big game and make moves like decreasing admission or engaging in outreach but museums can't become truly accessible until this mindset changes and we prioritize our audience.
Yea, every time we read something by one of these consulting firms, I'm like, "But this isn't what I learned in school? Is this the field we're walking into?" It makes me feel super naive and youthfully ignorant, but I guess it's good that we're getting a firm grasp of how large and established institutions view their public.
I'm definitely headed over to read @cheider's thoughts now! Also, thank you for this glorious Michelle Buteau gif. My Steemit blog has been blessed :)