Skip to main content
Article
Speaking of Change in Charlotte, North Carolina: How Museums Can Shape Immigrant Receptivity in a Community Navigating Rapid Cultural Change
Museums & Social Issues (2015)
  • Susan B. Harden
  • Paul N. McDaniel, Kennesaw State University
  • Heather A. Smith
  • Emily Zimmern
  • Katie E. Brown
Abstract
To what degree can a museum impact cultural change in a community? Drawing from an evaluation of Levine Museum of the New South's Speaking of Change program, this article – which is the outcome of a community engaged partnership between museum staff, urban social geographers, and urban education scholars – describes one museum's community practice in shaping receptivity toward newcomers in a new immigrant gateway. Specifically, we demonstrate how through its exhibit and dialogue programming, the museum deepened understanding of immigration in ways that led to a warmer welcome and proactive inclusion. This research illuminates the critical role of museums in guiding community receptivity towards immigrants in a way that provides counterbalance to reactive or hostile responses.
Keywords
  • Immigration,
  • Museums,
  • Receptivity,
  • Collaborative community based research,
  • Charlotte,
  • North Carolina
Publication Date
Fall October 2, 2015
Citation Information
Susan B. Harden, Paul N. McDaniel, Heather A. Smith, Emily Zimmern, et al.. "Speaking of Change in Charlotte, North Carolina: How Museums Can Shape Immigrant Receptivity in a Community Navigating Rapid Cultural Change" Museums & Social Issues Vol. 10 Iss. 2 (2015) p. 117 - 133
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/paul-mcdaniel/13/