Museums, Children and Social Action

Past, Present and Future

Author: Sharon E. Shaffer Series: Global Perspectives on Children in Museums

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Museums, Children and Social Action examines the role that museums play in reaching, teaching and inspiring children as global citizens of the world and, looking to the future, argues that the sustainability of museums will come from strengthening relationships with young visitors.

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Summary

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Museums, Children and Social Action examines the role that museums play in reaching, teaching and inspiring children as global citizens of the world and, looking to the future, argues that the sustainability of museums will come from strengthening relationships with young visitors.

Presenting a diverse range of programs, exhibitions and outreach from museums across five continents, Shaffer highlights how museums are already serving children and making a difference in their lives. Arguing that museums have a unique responsibility to connect this audience with relevant social issues and challenges, such as social injustice, racism, climate change and poverty, Shaffer simultaneously acknowledges that a large number of children are still on the margins of the institution and its mission. Recognizing the ways in which museums are currently serving children, the book also considers what museums could and should be doing as they plan for the future, raising critical questions about core values, community partners and social agendas.

Museums, Children and Social Action is essential reading for academics and students engaged in the study of museums, social justice and childhood. It encourages museums to make it their mission to educate and serve this audience and their families for the good of children, as well as museums, while also considering what their institutions can do to make a lasting impact on children and their families.

About the Author

Sharon E. Shaffer is recognized as a national and international leader in early learning in museums, contributing to the field through her work as the Founding Director of the Smithsonian’s signature lab school for young children and in her role as an academic writer and consultant. She received The Secretary’s Gold Medal for Exceptional Service from the Smithsonian Institution – the only educator with this distinction at the time of its award – for creating a national model in museum-based learning for young children. She is a part-time faculty member at the University of Virginia (2004–present) and has written extensively for the museum field, with three publications already in print, several of which have been translated into other languages, including Chinese and Greek.