Background
Gurian, Elaine Heumann was born on September 23, 1937 in New York City. Daughter of Ernst and Hedi Margot (Messer) Heumann.
( Written over a thirty-five year career, the essays in C...)
Written over a thirty-five year career, the essays in Civilizing the Museum introduce students to the powerful, sometimes contested, and often unrealized notion that museums should welcome all because they house the collective memory of all. Drawing on her experience working in and with museums in the US and throughout the world, Author Elaine Heumann Gurian explores the possibilities for making museums more central and relevant to society. The twenty-two essays are organized around five main themes: * museum definitions * civic responsibility and social service * architectural spaces * exhibitions * spirituality and rationality. And these themes address the elements that would make museums more inclusive such as: * exhibition technique * space configurations * the personality of the director * the role of social service * power sharing * types of museums * the need for emotion humour and spirituality. Without abandoning the traditional museum processes, Gurian shows how museums can honour tradition whilst embracing the new. Enriched by her experience in groundbreaking museums, Gurian has provided a book that provokes thought, dialogue and action for students and professionals in the field to realize the inclusive potential of museums.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0415357624/?tag=2022091-20
Gurian, Elaine Heumann was born on September 23, 1937 in New York City. Daughter of Ernst and Hedi Margot (Messer) Heumann.
Bachelor in history of art, Brandeis University, 1958. Master of Education in elementary education and art specialist, State College of Boston, 1966.
Art teacher Solomon Schechter School, Newton, Massachusetts. Art consultant, Summerthing Mayor' General’ s Office, Boston, 1969—1971. Director education Institute Contemporary Art, 1969-1972.
Director exhibit center The Children's Museum, 1972-1985, associate director, 1985-1987. Deputy assistant secretary for Museums Smithsonian Institute, Washington, 1987-1990. Deputy director for public program planning National Museum American Indian, 1990-1991.
Deputy director United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, 1991-1994. Museum consultant The Museum Group, 1994, president, 2000—2005. Acting director Cranbrook Institute of Science, Bloomfield Hills, 1998—1999.
Senior consultant, principal Elaine Heumann Gurian LLC, Arlington, Virginia, since 1994. Member executive board International Council on Museums, 1979-1986. Representative Massachusetts Council on Arts, Boston, 1972-1975.
Member board directors TyPA Argentina Foundation for Arts, since 2004. President board American Poetry Museum, since 2004. Member editorial board Curator.
Visiting scholar University Museum, Ann Arbor, Michigan, since 2006.
( Written over a thirty-five year career, the essays in C...)
Member of Southeast Museum Association, International Committee for Education and Cultural Action (CECA/International Council of Museums) (vice president 1980-1986), American Association Museums (member council 1980-1982, vice president 1982-1984, treasurer 1984-1988, member council 1989-1991, Museum Education Award for Excellence 1985, Award for Distinguished Service to Museums 2004, named to Centennial Honor Roll 2006).
Married Dean W. Anderson. Children: Aaron Heumann, Joseph Emanuel, Eve Gurian-Wachhaus.