Museum education has the power and the responsibility to do the challenging inner work of tackling tough topics and turning them into teachable moments.

~ Monica O Montgomery

Monica O Montgomery Activism Education Museum Curators Museum Education Museums Social Justice

Tough topics are only tough for those who don't want to approach conversation, who don't like problematizing the status quo and nuancing the narrative.

~ Monica O Montgomery

Monica O Montgomery Education Exhibitions Museum Education Museums Race Social Justice

Education is the lifeblood of museums.

~ Monica O Montgomery

Monica O Montgomery Cultural Awareness Education Museum Curators Museums

If we truly believe in the power of cultural institutions to impact communities and engage authentically with social justice issues, if we believe in museums’ capacity to bring about social change, improve cultural awareness, and even transform the world, than we must also believe that our internal practices have an impact, and must act according to the changes we seek.

~ Monica O Montgomery

Monica O Montgomery Activism African Americans Cultural Awareness History Museums Social Change Social Justice The Arts

In the spirit of being a reflective practitioner of ourselves we must notice your own behavior as an educator and realize how it influences other. Recognize your privileges: race, gender, ability, career, citizenship, language is all privilege. Imagine how you feel in the visitors shoes and adjust to best help them process and contextualize.

~ Monica O Montgomery

Monica O Montgomery Activism Curators Diversity Exhibitions Museum Diversity Museum Education Museums Social Justice

Extract and expel implicit biases from your work life. Don't taint our visitors with your bias and views. Allow them to form their own conclusions where it's developmentally appropriate.

~ Monica O Montgomery

Monica O Montgomery Activism Curators Museum Curators Museum Patrons Museums Social Change Social Justice