Download - Small But Mighty: The Work of Small Museums

Devon M. AkmonCurator of Community History and Research

Arab American National Museum

Dearborn, MI

http://www.arabamericanmuseum.org

Small But Mighty:The Work of Small Museums

Mission: The Arab American National Museum's mission is to document, preserve, celebrate, and educate the public on the history, life, culture and contributions of Arab Americans.

We serve as a resource to enhance

knowledge and understanding

about Arab Americans and their

presence in the United States.


• Established in 1971 in Dearborn, MI

• Committed to the development of the Arab American community in all aspects of its cultural and economic life

• Over 100 programs for the Arab American community and the community at large

• Over 200 full-time employees


Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services

• Programs include:– Main Office

• Social Services• Youth and Education

– Schaefer Building• Employment and Training• Mental Health• Social Services

– Community Health Center• Clinic• Victims of Torture Center

– Arab American National Museum


Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services

• Founded in 1987• Recognizing the importance of arts in the daily

life of all people• Instill community pride

• Bridge the gap between ethnic and racial groups


ACCESS’ Cultural Arts Program

• To further our educational and public programs

• To dispel stereotypes and misconceptions

• To meet rapid growth and increase demands

• To document, preserve and celebrate Arab American history and culture

Building a Museum


Initial Challenges

• What kind of museum and who would it be for?

• Fear of reinforcing stereotypes or “outsider image”

• How to best reflect the diversity of the community

• The question of representation

• Constructing an Arab American identity

• September 11, 2001

• Staff lacking museum experience


• Assess the community’s support for a museum• Create a Museum Task Force for guidance and fund raising • Build upon established relationships• Work with regional committees throughout the county• Build a consensus and respond to the community


Overcoming the Challenges

• Utilize personal stories that reflect the diversity of the Arab American community

• Stress the similarities of the immigrant story common to all ethnic communities

• Employ empathy and personal connections to bridge cultural gaps


Overcoming the Challenges

• Reflect the beauty of Arab architecture and art

• Highlight the contributions of the Arab World

• Address the issue of stereotyping and exclusion

• Reflect the long presence of Arabs in America, their diversity, work and contributions


“A ‘Democratic Grassroots’ Approach”



• Community members play an integral role in developing programs by serving on various committees, including:– Collections– Exhibitions– Arab American Book Award – National Advisory Board


A Community-based Museum

• DIWAN: A Forum for the Arts

• Arab American Book Award

• Global Thursdays

• CU. SAME

• S.U.R.A Arts Academy

• Art and humanities exhibits

A Small Sample of Programs


• Continue to be rooted in our community and reflective of its needs

• Strengthen the connection with the community outside of Michigan

• Remain inclusive of others and responsive to the changing demographics of our nation


New Challenges

Thank you!

[email protected]
