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The 1980s and early 1990s have seen a marked increase in public interest in our historic environment. The museum and heritage industry has expanded as the past is exploited for commercial profit. In The Representation of the Past, Kevin Walsh examines this international trend and questions the packaging of history which serves only to distance people from their own heritage. A superficial, unquestioning portrayal of the past, he feels, separates us from an understanding of our cultural and political present. Here, Walsh suggests a number of ways in which the museum can fulfill its potential - by facilitating our comprehension of cultural identity.
List of contents
Introduction; 1. The Idea of Modernity 2. Postmodern Societies I 3. Postmodern Societies II 4. Conserving a Past 5. Simulating the Past 6. Heritage Reconsidered 7. A Sense of Place 8. The Museum as a Facilitator 9. Conclusion:- The Remoteness of the Past
About the author
With Malspite the Witch of Black Forrest, Kevin Walsh is transitioning from writing about war, risk and politics to fiction and fantasy with a purpose. Kevin is a former senior army officer, city mayor and academic who has also worked in mental health. In this book Kevin explores self-talk and identity and also growing up and integrating your own dark side. He also introduces the concept of whenpower which he thinks is more useful than its better-known cousin willpower. He uses as a backdrop: Irish mythology, witchcraft, chivalry and feudal politics.Kevin received the 2024 Victorian RSL - Legacy Award - "As a veteran whose legacy continues to inspire and positively impact others".
Summary
Examines how the recent boom in the museum and heritage industry has led to its increasing commercialisation, which, Walsh argues, frequently serves only to distance us from our own heritage.
