Shrine, House or Home: Rethinking the House Museum Paradigm

This seminar will examine historic house museums within the context of American culture from the founding of Mount Vernon in 1853 to their present decline in popularity and relevance. Utilizing sources from a variety of disciplines including literature, women's and family history, and museum and preservation theory and practice, students will re-examine the prevailing historic house museum paradigm and develop interpretation plans for house museums in the Providence area. Enrollment limited to 20. If oversubscribed, priority is given to students in the Public Humanities Programs and Department of American Civilizations. No prerequisites.