What exactly is a museum?

“A museum is a place which invites, in a special way, to contemplation and musing about our humanly strive after truth, goodness and beauty. This contemplation and musing brighten at one side the notion of our nullity and transitoriness, but reinforce at the other side the experience of our mysterious relationship and linking with the Imperishable.” — F.J.C.J. Nuyens, Dutch sociologist, 1981

Say what? Everyone knows a museum when they see one, but ask the general public to define what a museum really is, and you get an interesting array of responses.

Most would agree that museums are places that display items, either man-made or natural, either old and rare, or even shiny new. Museums are often physical locations which in their own right are considered artifacts, like an historic home, school, or municipal building.

And sometimes museums are just rooms in larger institutions designated as a gallery to show off a particular collection. Are zoos, nature centers, libraries, art galleries, and theatres also museums? If they dedicate space to the display of items and the dissemination of information they can argue that they act as museums.

Still confused? You’re not alone! Even museum professionals like Elizabeth E. Merritt, author of “National Standards & Best Practices for US Museums,” suggest that “we may have to live with the fact that the museum, as a concept, is the intersection of many complex categories, resulting in an organization that people can identify intuitively but that cannot be neatly packaged in a definition.”

But, we know one when we see one, right? Of course. As a visitor to a museum, we enter with excitement, often stand in awe of the sights, and become unusually quiet and introspective because of the feelings brought up by the treasures we are privileged to see.

Take the Smithsonian Institution for example. It is arguably the most famous museum in America, and has been coined “America’s attic” because it has such an amazingly large and varied collection of stuff. But the Smithsonian isn’t just one building – there are sixteen facilities that bear the Smithsonian moniker, and one is our national zoo! This museum complex is the largest in the world.

The Museum of Culpeper History has been coined a “mini Smithsonian” because it features so many unique and historic items within its walls.

Other local museums, like the Graffiti House and the museum at the Culpeper Regional Airport (sponsored by the National Capitol Squadron), also help keep our local heritage alive by applying a variety of interpretative methods.

These interpretative tools range from temporary displays to long- term exhibitions, from hands-on “traveling trunks” to kiosks.
Small museums are becoming popular alternatives to the “big boys” because they are usually much less expensive to visit, less crowded, and they have lots of quirky displays, interactives, and very friendly volunteers working at the front desk. In Culpeper when you step into one of the museums, you get a personal (and often hands-on) experience that is distinctive to this region.

So, the next time you are asked about your museum, simply state that it’s a great place to learn, experience, create, relate, and contemplate! And it is free to local residents, so come on by and see what all the fuss is about.

Remember that the summer is a great time to explore your own community — from the terrific businesses in the historic district to the parks, ponds, rivers, and of course, the museums. Join the Museum as it marks its 10th anniversary July 24-25. Mark your social calendars for a weekend filled with history and hotdogs!

Lee Langston-Harrison is the exectuve director of the Museum of Culpeper History. She can be reached at 829-1749 or at culpepermuseum. Com. Tickets for the anniversary weekend events can be purchased through the Museum. The Museum of Culpeper History is open daily Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 1 p 5 p.m.