Repatriation and Ownership of Global Museum Collections with David Gassett

Repatriation and Ownership of Global Museum Collections with David Gassett

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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

Inspired by recent announcements from major global museums that they will return some of the famous Benin Bronzes, this seminar will explore museum repatriation (the return of items to their county or people of origin), looking at its long history and discussions today.
“These men and women who have been deprived of their cultural heritage, therefore, ask for the return of at least the art treasures which best represent their culture, which they feel are the most vital and whose absence causes them the greatest anguish.” 
 – Amadou-Mahtar M’Bow, UNESCO Director-General, “A plea for the return of an Irreplaceable Cultural Heritage to those who created it” (June 7, 1978)
During our conversation, we will investigate the definition, origin, and goals of the Repatriation Movement, as well as the histories of museums themselves that have led to calls for the repatriation of priceless cultural artifacts. With cases ranging from the Parthenon Marbles at the British Museum to the return of Maori ancestral human remains from Germany and the Benin Bronzes worldwide, we will examine the global reach and impact of repatriation.
Led by David Gassett, a museum professional and scholar of cultural heritage and repatriation, this conversation will introduce participants to arguments both for and against repatriation and attempt to understand the real emotions this topic inspires. Participants will leave understanding not only the deeper context of repatriation in global museums but also how to fully and more even-handedly engage in conversations about collection ownership in their future travels.
To experience this interactive series in more depth, we invite you to explore:

David is a life-long New Yorker with a B.A. in Anthropology and Archaeology from Columbia University and a M.A. in Anthropology and Museum Studies from the George Washington University and the Smithsonian Institution. His academic specialities lie in indigenous and non-Western art, cultural heritage, and progressive museum models. David has worked as an educator in schools and museums and published internationally about museum pedagogy. When not in a museum, he enjoys a good book, skiing, and exploring the history of his Brooklyn neighborhood.

Not suitable for children under age 13 (sensitive content).

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 10 reviews
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(10)
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R
R. (Fairport, US)
I selected a topic I knew nothing about.....

This seminar was something I just randomly picked, and it was fascinating. David Gassett certainly earned the right to speak about Repatriation. He provided a bit of history on the origins of museums, history on the "acquisition" of museum objects, repatriation, and closed with recent activism. So glad I tuned in!

S
S.o. (Louisville, US)
Interesting topic well presented.

Good background and explanation. Well built presentation

S
S.G. (Wilmette, US)
Outstanding

An outstanding seminar. I learned so much, starting with the rise of museums and how they obtained their collections to the beginning of the concept of repatriation to the pros and cons. David presented great current examples. A thought-provoking and insightful seminar ...I have such a better understanding of repatriation and the meaning of "ownership".

L
L. (Nokesville, US)
Very interesting presentation

While I had a vague idea about repatriation, this presentation really expanded my awareness and understanding. It was well presented with background context and real life cases studies. I would highly recommend it for those curious about the topic.

N
Nancy (Orlando, US)
Thought provoking and stimulating

This was a very stimulating presentation which I thoroughly enjoyed and found thought provoking.

12

Customer Reviews

Based on 10 reviews
100%
(10)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
R
R. (Fairport, US)
I selected a topic I knew nothing about.....

This seminar was something I just randomly picked, and it was fascinating. David Gassett certainly earned the right to speak about Repatriation. He provided a bit of history on the origins of museums, history on the "acquisition" of museum objects, repatriation, and closed with recent activism. So glad I tuned in!

S
S.o. (Louisville, US)
Interesting topic well presented.

Good background and explanation. Well built presentation

S
S.G. (Wilmette, US)
Outstanding

An outstanding seminar. I learned so much, starting with the rise of museums and how they obtained their collections to the beginning of the concept of repatriation to the pros and cons. David presented great current examples. A thought-provoking and insightful seminar ...I have such a better understanding of repatriation and the meaning of "ownership".

L
L. (Nokesville, US)
Very interesting presentation

While I had a vague idea about repatriation, this presentation really expanded my awareness and understanding. It was well presented with background context and real life cases studies. I would highly recommend it for those curious about the topic.

N
Nancy (Orlando, US)
Thought provoking and stimulating

This was a very stimulating presentation which I thoroughly enjoyed and found thought provoking.

12