Science Museums in Transition

Science Museums in Transition is intended to further discussion and debate on how museums address the political and social ramifications of science and, as such, should be of great interest to academics, researchers and postgraduate students of museum studies, science, anthropology, education and history.

Science Museums in Transition: Unheard Voices considers how museums can adapt their exhibits, programs, and organizational structures to the diversity of ideas, people, and cultures that speak to modern science.

This collection contains individual expressions by museum insiders addressing a range of particular perspectives - Native American, African American, Latinx, Islamic, Israeli, Danish, white North American. These reflections provide guidance to the museum community as to how their institutions can become more thoughtful, more welcoming to diverse audiences, and more cognizant of the ways that different people incorporate science into their daily lives. As a whole, the book emphasizes the need for museums to engage in dialogue with their visitors - not merely to present them with information - and to offer the opportunities to share experiences, exchange perspectives, and thereby advance science learning through a dynamic and collective process.

Science Museums in Transition is intended to further discussion on how museums address the political and social ramifications of science and, as such, should be of great interest to academics, researchers and postgraduate students working in the fields of museum studies, science, anthropology, education and history. It should also be essential reading for museum professionals around the globe.

Contributor Biographies

1. Inclusion and Relevance in Natural History Museums








2. Re-Exhibiting Africa at the Penn Museum: An Interview with Penn Museum Curator Tukufu Zuberi








3. Science, Islam and Critical Thinking: Lessons for Museums








4. Museum Mantras, Teachings from Indian Country: Posterity is Now; Failure is an Option, and Repatriation is a Foundation for Research








5. Ensuring Our People Have a Place that Feels Like Home








6. Reflections on Empowering Youth in Science Museums








7. Promoting Responsible Citizenship in Science Museums through Student Curated Exhibits








8. Conflicts Between Traditional Knowledge Systems And Western Science: Do We Need To Revise Our Thinking in Order to Engage Youth from All Heritages?











9. Navigating Worldviews in Conversation with David Begay and Nancy Maryboy








10. Youth and the Challenge to Define the Museum of the Future