Description
Book SynopsisWeaving the stories of the object, its original owner, and the often idiosyncratic institution where the object resides, this book reveals the darkest secret of the cultural world the precarious balance of art, culture, and politics that keep items, for decades, lost in the museum.
Trade ReviewThis wonderful book not only tells the stories of fascinating museum objects rarely seen by the public, but also recounts the difficulties and triumphs faced by museums in preserving them for future generations. It is about time that the role of museums as stewards of collections takes center stage in our public discourse. This book will help to achieve this end. -- Ildiko Pogany DeAngelis, Director, Museum Studies Program, The George Washington University
A deliciously written narrative that takes us through an intimate and layered exploration of nine museums, their most extraordinary artifacts and the characters who are revealed through them, from John Brown to a Tibetan princess. Full of surprises and fun. A gem for anyone who loves museums and their 'stuff.' -- Anne D. Emerson, president, The Boston Museum
In my efforts as a History Detective on PBS, I am often asked to enter the employees only sections, the crypts and the hidden archives in the vaults of museums, libraries, and storage rooms. Nancy Moses' book takes the process of detecting history to another level and puts it down on paper. I like what she has done, and I believe that others will find her work inviting and appealing. -- Tukufu Zuberi, PBS's History Detectives and Professor, University of Pennsylvania
The one thing that this book can teach us, especially those who hold the purse strings, is this: collecting objects is not enough. Caring for objects is not enough. What is needed above all else are curators to expand the pool of knowledge about these objects and to pass that knowledge on to this and future generations. -- Colin Hynson * Museums Journal *
A fascinating look at what is in our vaults and storage areas . . . Lost in the Museum should be a required read in museum studies courses. It would enlighten museum staff and volunteers, and should be presented to any municipal council member whose district includes a museum. * Muse, November / December 2008 *
Taking the almost five billion items in the possession of America's museums and archives as her point of departure, Nancy Moses takes us on a fascinating exploration of the 'stuff' in the attics, basements, and storage vaults of these institutions. Along the way she regales us not only with wonderful narratives about selected objects, but also rich insights into museum politics, curatorial decision-making, and struggles for resources and relevance. This behind-the-scenes expedition will appeal not only to museum professionals, but to anyone who has ever wondered about the workings of modern museums. -- James A. Miller, Chair, American Studies Department, The George Washington University
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction: The Stuff Chapter 1 John James Audubon's Birds Chapter 2 John James Audubon's Birds Chapter 3 Blaschka Sea Animals Chapter 4 Franklin B. Gowen Ceremonial Bowl Chapter 5 Pessaries Chapter 6 Skull of a Prehistoric Peruvian Child Chapter 7 Ker-Feal Chapter 8 Plan for the Dome of the United States Capitol Chapter 9 John Brown's Pike Chapter 10 Summer Garments of a Tibetan Princess
