Conscience, Controversy, and Community: Case Studies from the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

Christy S. Coleman, Director of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History (Detroit, MI) presenting in the lecture series, Museums and Community, Fall 2005.

Celebrating 40 years of service to the Detroit Metropolitan area, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History has evolved into an institution that balances the diverse needs of its base audience while gaining broader support across racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic lines. Achieving this balance has not been an easy transition. In fact, throughout its early history the organization struggled with fundamental questions about its mission and audience. Ms. Coleman shares insights on these topics and the choices the organization made that have positioned it as an emerging leader in the museum field.

Organized by the U-M Museum Studies Program and co-sponsored by the Center for Afroamerican and African Studies.