Riches, Rivals and Radicals: 100 Years of Museums in America

by Marjorie Schwarzer

Highly illustrated, exhaustively researched, and eminently readable, Riches, Rivals and Radicals describes the rise of the museums in America from the early 20th century to the early 21st—a story that parallels the historic changes in the United States. Through the decades, museums transformed themselves from cabinets of curiosity to centers of civic pride and prestige, stewards of who and what we are, our shared heritage, good and bad. The museum story is "filled with many notable and even some notorious characters," writes Marjorie Schwarzer, chair of the museum studies department at John F. Kennedy University. "How the American museum got to where it is today has required a long journey, sometimes arduous, often fascinating." Published in celebration of AAM's centennial and The Year of the Museum.

Genres: Museums, Nonfiction, History, Museology

263 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2006

Reviews

[MRWee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I use this as mandatory textbook for my Museum Studies course. But read it anyways, because Schwarzer is an engaging writer who lays out the history of US museums, as well as the people who created them, the historic and contemporary issues that shaped them--in a relevant and sound way. Her perspective does not mince the power, politics, priviledge, and later--intersectional dynamics that make our museums what they were, and what they are. As a faculty at a diverse college, this book provides a great jumping off point for classroom discussion and inquiry. Highly recommended.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for a Museum Studies course I'm taking. Interesting summary and description of the evolution of all types of museums in the United States. I found it difficult to read, more so because of the physical size of the book--which was unnecessary. Is it tying to be a coffee table book? Not sure but part of it could be explained by the fact its published by the American Association of Museums.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riches, Rivals and Radicals was interesting. It explores the history of the museum in America, which is quite fascinating. I think it gave a good discussion on a variety of topics. It does not focus on a few museums but brings many different museums into the discussion and flushes out a different point she wants to make with each of them. I guess there is an hour long documentary that accompanies it, which to me was ok. It hits on the major themes in the book but to me it makes the book useless. The same information is presented, not as much that's in the book but enough to be like, "Why did I bother reading it?"

[Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

for Intro to Museology, a really interesting insight into the history of museums and how much politics can play into how museums are run or destroyed (see: Reagan, Guiliani). I know it doesn't sound super exciting to those outside of the field, but it really is neat. Easily understood, as well.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Museums and the people that create and work in them are AMAZING!!

[Mills College Library]

069.0973 S4118 2006

[Gina]

Read this for class. Huge pictures but it was really interesting. Well written.