In From Storefront to Monument: Tracing the Public History of the Black Museum Movement Andrea Burns argues that many of the cultural institutions focusing on African American heritage are linked back to the social movements of the 60s and 70s. Specifically, the Black Power movement helped pave the way for more accurate representation of African American heritage in museums. Burns uses 4 different museums; the DuSable Museum of African American History; the International Afro-American Museum; the Anacostia Neighborhood; and the African American Museum to illustrate her point. 

I really enjoyed the chapter Confronting the “Tyranny of Relevance” Exhibits and the Politics of Representation. DuSable Museum didn’t really start off as a traditional museum, but instead was a cultural epicenter. One thing they did well was consistently go out into the community and established a mobile unit. All too often, museums think of relevance as bringing people into the museum. It was really interesting reading about DuSable turning this concept on its head by bringing the museum to the community. Staff did not stand around waiting for museum patrons to come to them so they could answer questions, instead they went into the community to ask very intriguing questions.

Additionally, in her conclusion Burns calls to action for us to not think about success as “monumental architecture or elaborate fund-raising galas, but rather by audience response and appreciation” (pg. 186). I really appreciated this point that she makes throughout her whole book. She does an excellent job challenging the way museum (and a lot of institutions) think of success. It isn’t about the accumulation of and ability to flaunt material wealth. Instead, it is the human connections we make, the inspirations we spark, and the desire to learn more that we should be measuring our success. Relevance isn’t about bringing people in. It is about meeting people where they are. To do that we have to leave the comfort of how we currently perceive museums. 

https://www.dusablemuseum.org/exhibits/south-side-stories-the-art-and-influence-of-dr-margaret-t-burroughs-1960-1980/