This article describes the vision and realization of the DEAF CULTURE CENTRE as a beacon of Deaf heritage contribution in Canada and internationally, with a focus on community-generated accomplishment and celebration. The authors highlight the unique historical role of the DEAF CULTURE CENTRE as a freestanding cultural space set in Toronto's…

In this article Bernstein and Gittleman address the role of risk in creating an exhibition that is of value to the public and is aligned with their cultural institution's core values. Through an examination of the development process, the authors present lessons that can assist others who are interested in undertaking an exhibition with similar…

In this essay, the president of Miami Dade College describes the anchoring role that the institution plays in the Miami metropolitan region, with a particular emphasis on the many arts and cultural contributions. These efforts, combined with the economic and workforce development endeavors, make Miami Dade College a model anchor institution.

Museums and cultural institutions have long provided a crucial resource for students and teachers in science classes. Many of those institutions consider working with schools to be a core part of their missions. This article describes Urban Advantage, one of the largest and most coordinated programs in the country which goes further than many…

In this speech, the author traces the history of museums as educational environments by speculating on how history museums have presented themselves to the public through their exhibits. The author also provides an outline of the implications that these methods of presentation have had on visitors. A major objective is to determine how history…

Described is the University of Pennsylvania's University Museum, which is the nation's largest museum devoted to archaeology and anthropology. Though not an art museum, the University Museum contains objects of artistic quality as well as artifacts that reveal whole cultures of such areas as the Near East, Mediterranean, and Egypt. (JMD)

Describes and explains the rationale for establishing a program in higher education that would support and interact with the community of institutions and individuals involved in informal or nonformal science education. Outlines a number of research questions proposed at a recent meeting of informal science educators. (DDR)

Reviews the purposes and programs of the Extensions Division of the Department of Education of a metropolitan museum. Surveys services provided to schools. Gives a sample lesson plan. Highlights thematic exhibitions at the museum. Considers education by means of the art object as the primary goal of the Extensions Division. (CW)

This paper describes the collaborative work between an art historian/curator and a visual artist exploring the often trouble relationship between artists and curators. The common idea emerging from both perspectives was that of the museum, both as an image and an institution. The paper examines the history of the museum as an institution and how…

Museums, zoos, nature centers, science centers, aquariums, and other similar places provide an opportunity for lifelong learning in a nonthreatening setting for most adults. They are places where nonformal learning (outside the formal learning setting and characterized by voluntary participation) can easily take place through such methods as…

The recently opened George Gustav Heye Center (New York City) represents the first of three sites of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. Three major exhibitions aim to tear down walls between Native and non-Native peoples and to give Native Americans the opportunity to interpret and present their own cultures through Indian…

The 24,000 square foot Alaska State Museum is experiencing a space crisis which hinders its ability to effectively meet present demands. The museum's collection has more than tripled from 5,600 objects 17 years ago to 23,000 objects today. Available storage and exhibition space is filled and only 10% of the collection is on exhibit. The reason for…

Twelve authors offer initiative and creative ideas for using museums to further world-wide education in a broad sense. Rather than viewing the museum as a preserver and storehouse of works and objectives, the authors see the museum as a place where direct involvement in process education occurs. International trends in museum education are focused…

This unit deals with life in Imperial China before 1912. The unit contrasts the lifestyles of the wealthy and the peasants and describes the important role of the family and the secondary place of women. The booklet also provides information about the development of written language in China and about Chinese religious philosophies and burial…

This packet is intended as an aid to teachers in the United Kingdom bringing groups of children to visit Yarmouth Castle (Isle of Wight). The materials are aimed at the upper junior and lower secondary school student although adaptations of information and ideas would make it more widely applicable. The packet consists of a teacher's handbook and…