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  • Writer's pictureTomislav S. Šola

Public Memory Institutions and Their Science


I have written an entire book on this diagram: Mnemosophy – an essay on the science of public memory (European Heritage Association, Zagreb, 2015). I have also proposed a simplified version of this diagram already on this site. But let this older version be a reminder of the process as I have used it very often in my lectures, both at home and internationally. I would hardly manage to comment in it a brief form. However, besides the explanation already offered, the wisdom of it simple. All public memory institutions have their theory, but all of them can or should have their common science. Formed upon the common denominator, the concept of heritage, but as wisdom, i.e. not any but the noble memory of the past, it could provide the basis for the new profession. Why, otherwise, would we have the triple natured working process in all of these institutions (collection, care and communication), - all of them based upon the knowledge, responsibility and ethics in selecting and making choices. In this sense, we are the very heart of culture which is about norms, criteria and freedom of choice, - however paradoxical it may sound. The new profession of public memory is an urgency if we want to survive. Believe it or not “survival” is the word that S. Dillon Ripley, the 8th Secretary of Smithsonian used describing the mission of museums. (DB stands for digitally born)

The book can be downloaded here; it has been published as part of The Best in Heritage conference offer in Dubrovnik (www.thebestinheritage.com), printed in 200 numbered and signed copies, each containing an autographed note by the author.

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