Interpreting Slavery at Museums and Historic Sites

by Kristin L. Gallas (Editor), James DeWolf Perry

Interpreting Slavery at Museums and Historic Sites aims to move the field forward in its collective conversation about the interpretation of slavery—acknowledging the criticism of the past and acting in the present to develop an inclusive interpretation of slavery. Presenting the history of slavery in a comprehensive and conscientious manner is difficult and requires diligence and compassion—for the history itself, for those telling the story, and for those hearing the stories—but it’s a necessary part of our collective narrative about our past, present, and future.

This book features best practices


The book will be accessible and of interest for professionals at all levels in the public history field, as well as students at the undergraduate and graduate levels in museum studies and public history programs.

Genres: History, Museums, Museology, Nonfiction

148 pages, Paperback

First published December 16, 2014

Reviews

[Cami Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Interpreting Slavery at Museums and Historic Sites" is an excellent read for anyone working in (or planning to) work in the public history field. This book in the "Interpreting History" series focuses less on actionable suggestions and more on the importance of interpreting slavery.

The inclusion of specific examples of how different locations interpret slavery, whether on tours or at special programs, is particularly interesting. There are examples not only from Southern locations but also Northern locations and a few Midwest examples as well.

[Eric Burroughs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for my thesis. A lot of the chapters rehash what other chapters already said, but still useful. It should definitely be required reading for anyone working at historic sites.

[Adina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A guidebook that draws heavily on Julie Rose's "Interpreting Difficult History," continuing to take a psychological approach to education and audience engagement.