ABSTRACT
This chapter explores activist spectrum of museum activism further. It explains what museums seeking to take up more activist positions on human rights issues might learn from culturally-specific museums that have very often been at the forefront of practice in this arena. The chapter describes how social activism is fundamentally changing museums in the United States. It discusses United States museums that have moved farther along on the spectrum and how they got there. The chapter deals with reflections on how museums may take the lessons and move themselves forward into a space of more intentional activism. The divisive climate that has characterized social and political life in the United States is inspiring a renewed sense of activism in the museum field and beyond. In working within their communities, a number of museums have taken up the role of ‘platform’ or ‘staging ground’ for activism.
