Independence Heritage Museum

Item

Title
Independence Heritage Museum
Author
Lilly Miranda
Date
1 June 2018
Type
Text; Image; StillImage
Identifier
aes/130
Language
eng
Abstract
In rural Polk county the Heritage Museum of Independence preserves and displays over 175 years of history and maintains a connection to the local community through exhibiting surrounding community history to the broad public. Drawing upon participant observation and oral interviews I investigate how museums as institutions are influenced by the surrounding population and how the institution serves community needs through civic support and respect. As an entity funded by the city of Independence and supported by the Heritage Museum Society, this paper explores the Heritage Museum's mission and development of new ways in preserving the historical and cultural collections of oral history, art, and artifacts, which may not always fit appropriately with the museum's overall mission statement, donated by citizens of the mid-Willamette Valley. Interning for the Heritage Museum enhanced my appreciation for historical preservation. Collaborating with museum staff and society members, local support is rebuilt through special events such as the first annual birthday celebration, curation of a Native American exhibit, and a reestablished oral history project.
Description
This presentation was delivered on May 31, 2018 at Western Oregon University Academic Excellence Showcase (Monmouth).
Rights
Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 06/20/2018, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author(s). Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author(s).
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Department
Anthropology
Faculty Sponsor
Kate Miller