Our 2024 Open Talks invite you to explore the role of historic house museums in shaping and inspiring communities through the themes of Inspire, Interpret, and Impact. House Museums connect the past and present and guide us toward a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Main Theme

Historic house museums hold a unique position as bridges between the past and present, embodying local histories and cultural narratives within their walls. Beyond preserving artifacts and stories, these institutions play a crucial role in connecting with and serving their communities in meaningful ways. At the heart of this connection is the house museum’s ability to anchor community identity. By preserving and showcasing local heritage, historic house museums provide residents with a tangible link to their roots, fostering a sense of pride and continuity. This connection is often strengthened through community involvement in preservation efforts, historical research, and cultural programming.

Historic house museums are not just repositories of the past but vibrant community assets that inspire, educate, and unite. Their ongoing relevance lies in their ability to adapt to changing community needs while staying true to their mission of preserving and sharing local heritage for future generations. Through these efforts, they ensure that the stories of the past continue to resonate and inspire meaningful connections within the communities they serve.

Session Themes

SESSION 1 – INSPIRE

This first day will revolve around the key word “inspire”, showing the role of house museums in inspiring current and future generations through their commitment communities, cultural heritage, and societal growth. Papers and discussions will highlight the way house museums use collections and storytelling to preserve and celebrate local history, promote ethical reflection, and foster cultural sustainability and development.

SESSION 2 – INTERPRET

For our second day, papers and discussions will focus on how museums and cultural institutions interpret historical and cultural heritage in ways that resonate with present-day communities. We will emphasize the role of interpretation in bridging the past with the present, fostering community engagement and addressing contemporary societal issues.

SESSION 3 – IMPACT

With impact as our key word, papers and discussions on the third session will highlight how historic house museums can influence societal transformation within their communities. This theme will underscore the importance of innovation, empowerment, and sustainability in museums and heritage sites, demonstrating their potential to address contemporary social challenges and foster community engagement.