Museums Today: What is a Museum?

Kathy Dwyer Southern and William Underwood Eiland

"What is a museum" is a question that has long challenged museum professionals around the world. Are museums places of research, object care, community, public trust, inclusion, education, cultural heritage, humanity or something more? Today, the International Council of Museums is working with the global museum community to update the definition that has set the standard since 2007. Join Kathy Dwyer Southern and William Underwood Eiland for a lively, interactive discussion as we debate the seminal question, “What is a museum.”

About Kathy Dwyer Southern

Kathy Dwyer Southern serves on the faculty of GW’s Museum Studies Program. She is president of the board of the Biggs Museum of American Art in Delaware and was formerly president and CEO of the National Children’s Museum in D.C. Her board affiliations include the International Council of Museums-US and the board of the American Alliance of Museums, among others. 

About William Underwood Eiland

William Underwood Eiland is director of the Georgia Museum of Art at the University of Georgia, and a trustee of the International Council of Museums. Dr. Eiland has served on the boards of the American Alliance of Museums, the Southeastern Museums Conference and the Georgia Association of Museums and Galleries, and was a trustee of the Association of Art Museum Directors.