In this episode of "Why They Put That in a Museum," Beth Bacon, an author and avid museum goer, joins Sarah Lees, a museum curator and researcher, to explore the origins, history, and purposes of museums. They discuss ancient Greek philosophical institutions, the Renaissance patronage of Lorenzo de Medici, and the concept of cabinets of curiosities in the 1600s. They talk about the founding of significant museums like the Ashmolean Museum at Oxford and the British Museum in London. The discussion transitions into the history of American museums, highlighting the Charleston Museum and the Peabody Essex Museum. They speculate about the future of museums with evolving roles and missions. They discuss Beth’s volunteer work at the Missouri History Museum and its exhibits that engage diverse audiences and promote shared community experiences.
00:00 Introduction to the Hosts and Podcast
01:19 Today's Topic: The Concept of Museums
02:35 Historical Origins of Museums
08:23 Early Museums in the United States
11:19 Modern Museums and Their Evolving Roles
17:28 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up
Some museums mentioned:
Smart History Website: https://smarthistory.org/a-brief-history-of-the-art-museum/
Ashmolean Museum at Oxford: https://www.ashmolean.org/
British Museum in London: https://www.britishmuseum.org/
Charleston Museum: https://www.charlestonmuseum.org/
Peabody Essex Museum: https://www.pem.org/
Missouri History Museum: https://mohistory.org/museum
If you'd like to contact the hosts, visit: https://whydtheyputthatinamuseum.com/
© 2025 Why'd They Put That In A Museum podcast hosts Beth Bacon and Sarah Lees.
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