Public historian Mike Wallace presents his strong views on modern museums in his book Mickey Mouse History. Wallace criticizes many issues in the museum world and gives his own solutions to what should occur in the field. He detests conservative Federal intervention in museums, believing that this always skews the presentation and interpretation of exhibits. Believing these institutions should be in the hands of the private sector or small local governments, Wallace states that this is the only way to run a museum. The local community must be involved with the museum in order for it to have an effective message. Partnerships and cooperation with sister institutions is also necessary.
Wallace understands the role that point of view and interpretation play in museums. He sites many museums and specific exhibits that have been unsuccessful over the years because they have failed to recognize alternative point of view on a particular subject. This includes minority voices and "real" versions of some historical events. His suggestion to solve this dilemma is to present two or more narratives side by side to represent that there is more than one way to approach a subject or an event. He applauds places like Williamsburg that have incorporated this into their institution. Williamsburg once gave only a white, European, elitist view of history, and now incorporates an African perspective and addresses slavery.
In addition to multiple perspectives, Wallace also champion controversial exhibits. While he clarifies that these are not the only types of exhibits that can be successful, they are the most innovative and beneficial to the community. He believes that it is the job of museums to push the social envelop, and that politics are directly integrated with history. Wallace disagrees with conservatives who say that it is not the job of museums to participate in history, but merely to present it. He rattles off a list of creative exhibit ideas and encourages the field to embrace controversy.
Wallace also addresses the role of media in museums today. He uses the example of his baby granddaughter and how her generation will grow up in a completely media saturated world. He argues that in order for museums to continue, they must embrace and incorporate the digital revolution within their institutions. However, Wallace also states that there will never be a complete disconnect from objects and artifacts, and this these will continue to be the lifeblood of museums as a whole. Overall he presents the reader with a critical analysis of the museum field today and the changes that must be made in order for the field to progress and maintain its relevancy to future generations.
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Earlier 20th c. museums were created based on the samples of their namesakes in Europe - the organizers and their rich patrons simply did not know how it could be otherwise. As the time progressed, the new approaches, of which you write succinctly, widely appeared and changed our perception of the past. Regarding the Williamsburg, there is yet another dilemma - today, while trying to remedy the wrongdoing to the African-Americans over generations, won't we overshadow the achievement of simple white folks? After all, not all of them were planters, slave owners and/or ruthless oppressors. The great country what America is today is the work of its entire population and they supposed to be represented accordingly, as the time frame created them. As long as the government and private institutions fund museums, there always are going to be controversies. The objects and artifacts, represented in the museums are only useful, if they give true historical facts, without political agenda.
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