Presence of Mind: Museums and the Spirit of Learning

by Bonnie Pitman

A comprehensive and wide ranging look at the current state and future prospects of education within the museum at the beginning of the 21st century. Contributors are past winners of the annual Award for Excellence and the John Cotton Dana Award presented by the Education Committee of AAM. Authors include Diane Frankel, Michael Spock, Mary Ellen Munley, Elaine Gurian, Bonnie Pitman, and Alberta Sebolt George, among other leading educators and museum professionals.

184 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Lea Winston · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first reading assignment for grad school 🤩. Gave a good overview of the transition toward museums putting their mission to educate more at the forefront of their work and the struggles that came with it. Love the drama between curators and educators that’s discussed throughout. Although it’s a bit dated you can see the start of conversations about equity and justice in museums and the societal role museums play in establishing positive social change. Cannot wait to join the field 😍