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During the late twentieth century, the number of museums in the UK dramatically increased. Typically small and independent, the new museums concentrated on local history, war and transport. This book asks who founded them, how and why.
In order to find out more, Fiona Candlin, a professor in museology, and Toby Butler, an expert oral historian, travelled around the UK to meet the individuals, families, community groups and special interest societies who established the museums. The rich oral histories they collected provide a new account of recent museum history – one that weaves together personal experience and social change while putting ordinary people at the heart of cultural production.
Combining academic rigour with a lively writing style, Stories from small museums is essential reading for students and museum enthusiasts alike.
'As a museum professional, I found this a compelling book which has changed the way I think about the UK museum sector.'
Felicity Mcwilliams, Folk Life, Journal of Ethnological Studies
'In the depth of its observations and via beautiful writing, Stories from small museums does an incredible job... The results are a book that will make you feel as if you have found new friends, learned new things, and above all, been reminded of the richness of human existence.'
Oral History Society
'A book that has reinvigorated my love of museums at a time of considerable upheaval for the sector; I recommend it highly.'
European Journal of Archaeology
'Stories from Small Museums is deeply grounded, analytical and straightforward... it shines out brightly from the other museum books I have read recently because it is based on real conversations about real issues with real people.'
Journal of Curatorial Studies
Introduction: founding stories, finding stories
1 Transport museums: loving objects and each other
2 War and conflict museums: muttering in the corridors of power
3 Local history museums: at the centre of the universe
4 The museum founders: getting on the footplate
Conclusions: the micromuseums boom
Index