MEGAN CHURCHWELL, PUGET SOUND NAVY MUSEUM
Proposal Type
Traditional Panel
Seeking
- Seeking Additional Presenters
- Seeking Specific Expertise
- Seeking General Feedback and Interest
Related Topics
- Government Historians
- Museums/Exhibits
Abstract
Exploring the overlap between genealogical research and public history practice, Curator Megan Churchwell will present several case studies of genealogical research performed in a museum setting, with uses including: To inform museum exhibits incorporating Sailors’ stories; To research previously undocumented museum artifact collection; To tell a more engaging story utilizing artifacts from a Sailor’s life
Description
Exploring the overlap between genealogical research and public history practice, Curator Megan Churchwell will present several case studies of genealogical research performed in a museum setting, with uses including:
- To inform museum exhibits incorporating Sailors’ stories
- To research undocumented museum artifact collections
- To tell a more engaging story utilizing artifacts from a Sailor’s life
My goals for the session include discussing how to conduct genealogical research, when is it appropriate to conduct this kind of research in a museum setting, and some thoughts regarding privacy concerns.
I am looking for additional panelists on the topic of genealogical research within the public history field.
If you have a direct offer of assistance, sensitive criticism, or wish to pass along someone’s contact information confidentially, please get in contact directly: Megan Churchwell, [email protected]
All feedback and offers of assistance should be submitted by July 1, 2019. If you have general ideas or feedback to share, please feel free to use the comments feature below.
Hi Megan,
My name is Theresa and I’m the Director of Programs and Exhibits at the Telluride Historical Museum. I also provide Family History and Genealogical Services on my own time.
Through my museum work I use genealogy everyday in my exhibit and programs research and development. Specifically i have had great success in creating cemetery tours and school programs on Immigration and Civic Rights based on genealogical research.
I’d love to participate in some way if my experiences seem useful to you.
If you’d like to to discuss I’d be happy to chat at [email protected].
Best,
Theresa
Excellent topic that needs a little more fleshing out. There are lots of great examples of the use of family history in Australia and the UK but not much literature on the museum context specifically. Have you thought about trying to have an international discussion about this topic? There are some great examples at play in migration museums, here in Sydney within Sydney Living Museums: https://www.tracesmagazine.com.au/2013/06/a-convict-in-the-family-exhibition-at-museum-of-sydney/) and national libraries. There are also some wonderful examples in the UK – check out the Uni of Hertfordshire’s work here. Good luck!