Photo: Explanatory text, American Museum of Natural History
370 words / 2 minute read
Out with the old – in with the new. In our throw-away culture, how do we deal with history when our view of the past changes? Yesterday’s heroes can become today’s losers; yesterday’s villains become today’s misunderstood. History is always more complicated but the need to simplify it can make it unrecognisable, and where there is simplicity, stereotypes seep in. Do we just wipe out the old or is there another way?
The American Museum of Natural History in New York City has dealt with the problem by keeping the outdated – and explaining why it is outdated. A diorama, built at the museum in 1939 shows the original intent of the diorama and then explains that what seemed straightforward in history at that time is actually a bit more complex.
A poster to the left of the diorama explains: “The Museum unveiled this diorama in 1939, as part of the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Hall, where you stand now. The original purpose of this scene was to celebrate the Roosevelt family’s Dutch ancestry.”
Interestingly, in 1939 as the Second World War in Europe was looming, it is the immigrant ancestry of the President that is remembered and honoured. The second paragraph continues:
“Many of the details related to the Dutch, such as the buildings and clothing, are shown accurately. But the depictions of the Native people, like many in popular culture, reflect common stereotypes and a fictional view of the past. Callouts to the diorama at right now give more context to this scene.”
The diorama itself now has the disclaimer:
“This 1660 encounter between Dutch and Lenape leaders was intended to celebrate the Dutch founders of ‘Old New York.’ But the scene offers only stereotypical representations and ignores how complex and violent colonization was for Native people.”
Imagine if at every historical site or object which has a complex history (and what historical site doesn’t?) , a simple plaque could explain the nuances in such a way that the history is recalled and the controversies outlined.
History is rich, diverse, messy, nuanced, in short: human. Why are we so quick to rob ourselves of that depth, the texture of our human story?
Esther Gilbert
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