Migration as a theme has held a prominent position in the (European) museum world since the 1990s. An extensive theoretical debate on its representation has been evolved since then. City museums...Show moreMigration as a theme has held a prominent position in the (European) museum world since the 1990s. An extensive theoretical debate on its representation has been evolved since then. City museums have emerged as important arenas for the exploring of the migration theme. In the development of migration-themed exhibitions, a common practice involves collaborating with local migrant communities to gather narratives previously untold or underrepresented. Whether the collected (hi)stories are presented and stored through tangible or intangible means, often this collected information is “new”. Despite the enduring presence of migration as a phenomenon throughout human history, relatively little attention has been directed towards exploring it within existing historical museum collections. While some scholars recognize the potential of historical collections to contribute to inclusive migration representations, this aspect remains relatively underexplored. This study employed two primary research strategies to address this gap. Firstly, interviews were conducted with six city museum professionals. Secondly, collection research was undertaken at the Stedelijk Museum Schiedam, focusing on revisiting its historical collection. The research uncovered that revisiting historical city museum collections can yield valuable insights into migration-related histories. By posing different questions and embracing an interdisciplinary approach, previously overlooked objects can be reinterpreted to narrate migration stories. The effectiveness of this approach was demonstrated through the case study of the Stedelijk Museum Schiedam, where several migration-related objects were identified within the historical collection. These objects, including a curved draw knife, a painting, and a sketch, symbolized various migration stories to Schiedam, such as German, Polish, and Huguenot migrations. The interdisciplinary aspect was found to be essential in enriching the revisiting process. Linking historical or archaeological data to museum collections facilitated a deeper understanding of migration-related narratives. Furthermore, exposing historical museum objects to present-day impulses can offer fresh perspectives. While participative projects have been advocated as a primary method for gathering new migration stories, this research revealed a certain hesitancy, fearing the reduction of migrants' experiences to stereotypical representations. Instead, there was a preference for embedding migration within other themes, allowing for a more nuanced portrayal of individuals' lives beyond their migrant status. Overall, this research revealed that revisiting historical city museum collections can offer valuable insights into migration-related histories. Furthermore, it contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the use of participative strategies in sourcing migration objects, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and thoughtful integration in the European city museum context.Show less
Currently in Spain, the Quimbaya collection has been considered an extraordinary example of pre-Columbian archaeology since its unearthing in the late XIX century. Through guaquería, political...Show moreCurrently in Spain, the Quimbaya collection has been considered an extraordinary example of pre-Columbian archaeology since its unearthing in the late XIX century. Through guaquería, political gifts and many changes of location, this group of artefacts is currently still at the forefront of archaeological debate, though not just due to its artistic and historical value, but due to the controversy surrounding its presence in Madrid, and the petitions of repatriation made by Colombia. This paper will take the Quimbaya collection and explore its history and technical aspects, as well as presenting the legal, ethical, and cultural debates it has sparked, culminating in a look towards the potential futures of this collection.Show less
Object-based learning explores material culture by giving audiences increased tactile access to museum collections, and has been available in a growing number of museums throughout the United...Show moreObject-based learning explores material culture by giving audiences increased tactile access to museum collections, and has been available in a growing number of museums throughout the United Kingdom. The purpose of this study was to explore whether current practices are sustainable, and for this it used fourteen case studies of UK-based museums and archaeological organisations which provide object-based learning opportunities. The study suggests that practices are currently sustainable the way they are, with the loan kits especially being a manageable service and great use of archaeological materials that benefits from the regular and consistent needs of schools. However, it is also viewed that reaching out to a different and more unpredictable audience, or being subject to other more unexpected changes such as a change in curriculum would constitute a serious challenge to this sustainability. It is hoped that such research will encourage a wider discussion on the future direction of archaeological material within object based learning collections.Show less
