Useful Objects: Nineteenth-Century Museums and American Culture

Explore the historical significance of museums in shaping American culture through this engaging lecture. Delve into the early history of American museums, including Harvard's Museum of Comparative Zoology, and examine the criteria for determining valuable objects for collection. Learn about the insights from Reed Gochberg's book "Useful Objects: Museums, Science, and Literature in Nineteenth-Century America" as she discusses with HMSC Executive Director Brenda Tindal. Discover how writers and visitors reflected on 19th-century collections and how their perspectives continue to influence contemporary debates surrounding museums' challenges and opportunities. Gain valuable insights into the evolving role of museums in American society and the ongoing discussions about their cultural impact.