National Council on Public History

Philip Levy, Professor of History, University of South Florida

Proposal Type: Roundtable

Seeking: Additional Presenters

Abstract: Day by day the realities of life in a changed global climate are showing themselves. This round table will bring together scholars and museum professionals to share stories and ideas of how historical sites and museums can remake their interpretations to cope with and teach history on a planet with a changed climate.

Seeking: Museums and historical sites are among the most dynamic locations for the making of historical meanings. The goal of this roundtable is to foster a discussion about how museums and sites can “retool” to meet the vast challenges we all face in a world whose climate has permanently changed. A range of scholars have come to use the term the Anthropocene to designate this new era whose climate is defined by the actions of humans. This roundtable asks how can historical sites and museums become locations of meaningful dialogue and transformation within the Anthropocene? The roundtable will ask participants to look at the museum or site with which they the most f amiliarity and come prepared to discuss what aspects of its interpretation and project can be remade in light of the realities of the Anthropocene. Museums need not be actually currently engaged in this sort of interpretation to participate–instead the idea is to envision and help others envision new avenues for future programing and interpretation. We hope to encourage new interpretive programs, inspire other to follow suit, and work towards a published essay volume in which authors re-envision a variety of sites and museums in light of the Anthropocene.

If you have a direct offer of assistance, sensitive criticism, or wish to share contact information for other people the proposer should reach out to, please get in contact directly: Philip Levy,plevy[at]usf.edu

If you have general ideas or feedback to share please feel free to use the comments feature below.

All feedback, and offers of assistance, should be submitted by July 3, 2015.

Related Topics: Environment, Museums/Exhibits

Discussion