Abstract
Esther Solomon
University of Ioannina
Museums and oral histories: empowering memories and social relations
In the context of the recent rise of oral history in museums and exhibitions, the paper explores some interesting attempts to negotiate the representation of the so-called “difficult” cultural heritage, i.e. objects and topics that may cause traumas, ideological conflicts and social ruptures. How do museums contribute through the use of oral history to the strengthening of ties between society and those groups which are normally excluded from official history and, therefore, from most museum narratives? How can museums make the most of their oral history archives in order to empower people’s sense of belonging to a place and a community, to repair traumatic memories and/ or to reconcile?
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