In this episode of "Why They Put That in a Museum," Beth Bacon, an author and avid museum goer, joins Sarah Lees, a museum curator and researcher, to explore the origins, history, and purposes of museums. They discuss ancient Greek philosophical institutions, the Renaissance patronage of Lorenzo de Medici, and the concept of cabinets of curiosities in the 1600s. They talk about the founding of significant museums like the Ashmolean Museum at Oxford and the British Museum in London. The discussion transitions into the history of American museums, highlighting the Charleston Museum and the Peabody Essex Museum. They speculate about the future of museums with evolving roles and missions. They discuss Beth’s volunteer work at the Missouri History Museum and its exhibits that engage diverse audiences and promote shared community experiences.

00:00 Introduction to the Hosts and Podcast

01:19 Today's Topic: The Concept of Museums

02:35 Historical Origins of Museums

08:23 Early Museums in the United States

11:19 Modern Museums and Their Evolving Roles

17:28 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up

Some museums mentioned:
Smart History Website: https://smarthistory.org/a-brief-history-of-the-art-museum/

Ashmolean Museum at Oxford: https://www.ashmolean.org/

British Museum in London: https://www.britishmuseum.org/

Charleston Museum: https://www.charlestonmuseum.org/

Peabody Essex Museum: https://www.pem.org/

Missouri History Museum: https://mohistory.org/museum

If you'd like to contact the hosts, visit: https://whydtheyputthatinamuseum.com/

Send us a text with ideas for new episodes or just let us know what you think.

© 2025 Why'd They Put That In A Museum podcast hosts Beth Bacon and Sarah Lees.