Museums as mediums: how can the dead tell their own stories?

Wednesday 30 October 2024, 5.45pm - 8pm

Macquarie University History Museum, 25C Wally’s Walk, Macquarie University Wallamattagal Campus

It is often said that museums bring the past to life. Every object holds a story, and behind each story was once a living creator, owner, or user. While the dead can no longer tell stories about their possessions in real time, archaeologists, historians and museum experts act as mediums to discover the myriad ways that humans and objects are mutually constructed in both the past and present. Just as a modern Ouija board can be manipulated by participants in a seance, experts and museum-goers can consciously or sub-consciously skew the stories of the objects they interpret, drowning out or distorting the voices of the dead in the process. How do we hear the voices of the owners of these artefacts, and let the dead tell their own stories?

This Halloween, join us at a new event in the Arts After Dark series as we peer beyond the veil to explore the possibilities of bringing the stories of the dead to life via the objects they once owned. In a special keynote address, bioarchaeologist Professor Ronika Power will explore the concept of museums as places for the stories of the dead—and what this means for us as the living. Following her address, Ronika will join a panel of leading academics to investigate the fascinating intersections of death, memory and museums.

Our panellists include:

• Professor Javier Alvarez-Mon, an expert in ancient Near Eastern archaeology, will discuss how we connect stories with owners if the collection history of the objects is unclear.
• Associate Professor Alison Holland, a leading researcher in Australian history, who will reflect on how we can build relationships with the dead through engagement with their archives.
• Abbie Hartman, from the Department of History and Archaeology, who will explore how decontextualized grave goods are reimagined and reflected back to us through video games.

This unique event promises an evening of thought-provoking discussion and discovery. Prepare to question the boundaries between life, death, and memory as we explore the ways in which museums speak for the dead.

To register for this event, please visit: https://event.mq.edu.au/museum-after-dark-a-halloween-special/registration

Contact: Macquarie University History Museum

Phone: 02 9850 9263

Email: muhm@mq.edu.au