Mission, ethics and open mediaAMIA ConferenceSat, Nov 7, 2009
St Louis
Suzanne FischerCurator of Technology
The Henry FordDearborn, MI
[email protected]@publichistorian
thf
Henry Ford Museum
Greenfield Village
Benson Ford Research Center
Ford Rouge Factory Tour
Henry Ford Academy
~26 million items
Photo by gruntzooki on flickr
National Council for Public History Code of Ethics
1. Public historians should serve as advocates for the preservation, care, and accessibility of historical records and resources of all kinds, including intangible cultural resources.
2. Public historians should carry out historical research and present historical evidence with integrity.
3. Public historians should strive to be culturally inclusive in the practice of history and in the presentation of history.
4. Public historians should be fully cognizant of the purpose or purposes for which their work is intended, recognizing that research-based decisions and actions may have long-term consequences.
5. Public historians should maintain a conscious regard for the interpersonal dynamics inherent in historical practice.
http://ncph.org/AbouttheCouncil/BylawsandEthics/tabid/291/language/enUS/Default.aspx
American Association of Museums Code of Ethics
“Museums in the United States are…organized as public trusts, holding their collections and information as a benefit for those they were established to serve….
“The distinctive character of museum ethics derives from the ownership, care, and use of objects, specimens, and living collections representing the world's natural and cultural common wealth. This stewardship of collections entails the highest public trust and carries with it the presumption of rightful ownership, permanence, care, documentation, accessibility, and responsible disposal.”
http://aam-us.org/museumresources/ethics/coe.cfm
John Cotton Dana
“Surely the function of the public…museum is the making of life more interesting, joyful and wholesome...”
The Gloom of the Museum, 1917
LOC
Gratia Countryman
“Schools and libraries [and museums and archives] are not luxuries in a democracy.”
Minnesota Historical Society
• Powerhouse photos
Link
dashboard
Link
Something thf is doing
Link
It’s about users/visitors
Slides and notes from this presentation will be available at
http://www.slideshare.net/publichistorian
Thanks!