Reimagining Museums: Disruption and Change (Virtual Event)

As museums have acknowledged their legacy as colonial institutions, many have reimagined their mission as agents of decolonization and social justice. The pandemic disruption, the Black Lives Matter movement and other community issues are driving still more rapid and drastic changes; they are providing opportunities for reflection and growth. How can American museums—especially those that have strong relationships with Indigenous communities—respond to current national conditions of social unrest and political turmoil? How have New England museums fared and what is likely to happen over the next two to three years? Hear from:

• Chris Newell (Passamaquoddy), Executive Director and Senior Partner to Wabanaki Nations, Abbe Museum

• Jane Pickering, William & Muriel Seabury Howells Director, Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology, Harvard University

• Lorén Spears, Executive Director, Tomaquag Museum

This free virtual event is moderated by Castle McLaughlin, Museum Curator of North American Ethnography, Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology, Harvard University. It is presented by the Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology in collaboration with the Harvard University Native American Program and the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture.

Register for this free virtual event now. To join the program, you will need to download the free Zoom app in advance. For details on how to improve your Zoom experience, visit the How to Attend an HMSC Program webpage.