Museums and Democracy 

On June 24, 2024, the Johns Hopkins MA in Museum Studies and MA in Cultural Heritage Management programs, in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, hosted a summit on the current and potential roles of museums in fostering democracy.
Andrew Perrin, Johns Hopkins SNF Agora professor and chair of sociology in the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, moderated a panel of distinguished thought leaders from across the field, including:
Vedet Coleman-Robinson, President & CEO of the Association of African American Museums
Anthea M. Hartig, Elizabeth MacMillan Director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History
Laura Huerta Migus, Deputy Director, Office of Museum Services, Institute of Museum and Library Services
Geri Mannion, Managing Director, Strengthening U.S. Democracy and the Special Opportunities Fund, Carnegie Corporation of New York
Together, these experts discussed how museums think about coalition-building, community, creating inclusive spaces, and contributing to the strength of our democracy. The recording of the live-streamed event offers insights into the evolving role of cultural institutions in shaping our collective future.