ABSTRACT
The Museum of Croydon's recently developed permanent displays explore the history of Croydon, south London, through specific people's objects and stories. Two among the many stories presented are Mabel's Certificate (2004) and Madeleine's Celebrities (1960–79). Mabel Cooper's choice of object, her own account of its importance and the descriptive text offered by the museum, all refer in some way to ‘learning difficulties’. In contrast — though in common with many of the other stories on display — Madeleine Gardiner's oral testimony and the museum-authored supporting interpretation draw on no specific identity or classification to ‘explain’ Madeleine's memories of celebrities coming to Croydon's Fairfield Hall. 1
