From the Director

A Note from our Director

Museums must be at the service of society and its development with the aim of expanding the possibilities of construction of identity (Brazil)

April was a whirlwind of activity as I tackled nuts and bolts tasks like setting up computer access. As I worked, I kept thinking about the fundamental purpose and value of the Hart Cluett Museum. Back in 2019 the International Council of Museums solicited proposals for an updated definition of museums. They received 250 proposals from countries around the world.

You can see the full list here https://icom.museum/en/news/the-museum-definition-the-backbone-of-icom/ 

The proposals included standard, decades old definitions along with more prosaic definitions such as “museums are the factory of our dreams.” One proposal noted that museums “save the world for future generations” while another suggested that museums are agents of social change.  

Over the past decade or so, I have noticed growing struggle between museums as stewards of tradition and the need for museums to serve as agents of change. Like many other museums, the Hart Cluett is navigating change and charting its future. What is your vision for the future of the Hart Cluett Museum and how should we define museums? Now is the time to think deeply and act boldly to ensure that the museum saves the world for the future.

If you have opinions about this, would love to hear your thoughts: sdangelo@hartcluett.org.

-Starlyn D’Angelo, Executive Director