Open Forum

Dear All

What is the most powerful thing your museum has done for the community? It can be anything form an event to some small thing. I look for the varied and interesting responses. 

Thanks,

Rachel

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Rachel Alschuler
Museum Education/ Visitor Experience
San Francisco CA
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Whatever was the museum's last exhibit. Since exhibits are the result of the community deciding what to cover, it reflects the community. If the museum is doing its job well, it reaches a different part of the community than before. I think that is powerful. 

The thing I like about our exhibits is that they are of a place not just happens to be in a place. I've seen exhibits that are not unique to a place. It could've been designed in New York for a Washington DC museum and after ending its run there, sent to St. Louis. Not of a place. Asian American history is of course the history of Asian Americans. But also the history of America. And in our museum, Seattle history. It isn't the history of elsewhere, it is the history of here. I think that is powerful too.

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Michael Kan, retired (I do not speak for the museum)
Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience
Seattle WA
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Dear Michael

I like it, sounds like the museums does it's thing well. I am impressed that an exhibit designed in the Pacific north west plays well in many places.

Thanks,

Rachel

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Rachel Alschuler
Museum Education/ Visitor Experience
San Francisco CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-05-2025 11:44 AM
From: Michael Kan
Subject: What is the most powerful thing your museum has done for the community?

Whatever was the museum's last exhibit. Since exhibits are the result of the community deciding what to cover, it reflects the community. If the museum is doing its job well, it reaches a different part of the community than before. I think that is powerful. 

The thing I like about our exhibits is that they are of a place not just happens to be in a place. I've seen exhibits that are not unique to a place. It could've been designed in New York for a Washington DC museum and after ending its run there, sent to St. Louis. Not of a place. Asian American history is of course the history of Asian Americans. But also the history of America. And in our museum, Seattle history. It isn't the history of elsewhere, it is the history of here. I think that is powerful too.

------------------------------
Michael Kan, retired (I do not speak for the museum)
Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience
Seattle WA
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