Museum Communication, Exhibition Policy and Plan: The Field Museum as a Case Study

Museums are moving forward in redressing the injustices of history by influencing policies through communication. As a case study museum, the Field Museum situated in Chicago, Illinois, USA, is examined to address how it is at the forefront of administration, preservation, research, and communication efforts that promote diversity, disclosing historical events, art, and anthropological objects in juxtaposition with current events and contemporary objects. To understand the role of advocacy through museum functions, the paper examines two current exhibitions, Drawing on Tradition: Kanza Artist Chris Pappan, and Looking at Ourselves, which are bi-functional ongoing processes of conservation and exhibition. The paper explores museum exhibition plans and policies, namely recontextualization of collections, which reflect the transition into a new political environment.