Staff Book and Media Recommendations

Lost in the Museum: Buried Treasures and the Stories They Tell

Nancy Moses

Nancy Moses shares stories that emerge from asking museum curators, "What one artifact comes to mind when you think of an object with a memorable story?" The artifacts range from a silver bowl given in congratulations to a bloody union-busting tycoon; the delicate gown of a Tibetan princess; and rather gruesome medical artifacts.

Even more interesting, though are Dr. Moses' insider views of the challenges facing museum directors, from collections management (she admits wanting to haul away piles of junk in the middle of the night) to no-win financial decisions. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the preservation of material culture. ~ Abbey Warner

Reviewed April 2009