HIST 268 - American Indians in Public History: Museums and Memor

This course examines the historical and contemporary role of American Indians in public history and the often-contradictory goals of Native nations and museums. Many museums see themselves as the authorities on the proper storage, maintenance, and care of sacred items or cultural objects, while American Indian nations argue that the impositions of museum collectors and curators fail to acknowledge indigenous traditions and belief systems. We will investigate how American Indians work to regain control of sacred objects and, in turn, regain control of their history and the historical narrative through the repatriation of stolen items and objects, the implementation of decolonization practices in museums, and the growth of tribal museums. This course combines scholarly research and readings with field trips to exhibits at several local museums. Occasionally offered. (4 Credits)