Making City Histories in Museums »

"Museums are a city phenomenon, one element within a suite of cultural institutions which most major urban centres support. In the nineteenth century, museums were established as evidence of urban sophistication, a credential of new and enlightened local government. They aimed to provide vistas significantly broader than the local. Today, however, the agenda is very different. Within the majority of cities there are museums dedicated to exploring the city itself. The approach and range of interests vary enormously, yet what these museums have in common is their commitment to construct or propose an image of the city suitable for the times, one with which a broad spectrum of people can engage." "The contributors consider the making of city histories from very different perspectives and within a number of theoretical frameworks. They use case studies and comparisons of practice; in particular, good practice is highlighted and potential ways forward explored."--BOOK JACKET.