KADUNA POLYTECHNIC, KADUNA

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM MANAGEMENT
TECHNOLOGY

ASSIGNMENT ON
COURSE CODE: TMT 328
COURSE TITLE: HERITAGE, CULTURE AND MUSEUM
STUDIES

QUESTION:
1. DEFINE MUSEUM
2. EXPLAIN VARIOUS DEPARTMENT SECTIONS IN
MUSEUMS

BY
GROUP A
S/N NAME REG. NO.
1 SADIQ GHALI IBRAHIM CST23HND0719
2 JONATHAN JOHNSON CST23HND2003
3 MUHAMMAD RUKAIYAT ORAHACI CST23HND1614
4 IBRAHIM KASHIM CST23HND1956
5 ISAH D DAUDA CST23HND1731

SUBMITTED TO
DR. ABDULLAHI MARYAM

OCTOBER 2024

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 INTRODUCTION
Museums are comprehensive institutions dedicated to the acquisition,
conservation, exhibition, and study of objects that have artistic, cultural,
historical, or scientific significance. They serve as educational hubs, repositories
of knowledge, and cultural sanctuaries, helping to preserve humanity's heritage
while fostering public engagement, understanding, and reflection. Their
importance in society is multifaceted, encompassing both tangible and intangible
contributions to cultural heritage and societal growth. In modern times, museums
have expanded their roles to accommodate changing societal values, ethics, and
technologies.

EVOLUTION AND HISTORICAL ROLE OF MUSEUMS

The concept of a museum, though modern in its current structure, has deep
historical roots. The origins of museums can be traced to private collections of
wealthy individuals, royal families, and religious institutions, who would display
their possessions to a select few. Ancient collections, such as those of the
Egyptian pharaohs, housed significant artefacts within temples and royal burial
sites. These collections, however, were not accessible to the public as modern
museums are today (Dean, 2020).

The establishment of public museums, as we understand them today, began in

Europe during the Renaissance and the Enlightenment periods. The British
Museum, founded in 1753, was among the earliest public museums, housing
artefacts and collections from around the world. Similarly, the Louvre in Paris,
originally a royal palace, was converted into a public museum in 1793 following
the French Revolution. These museums were designed not just for the elite but
for public education, reflecting the democratic ideals emerging at the time
(Simmons, 2019). By the 19th century, public museums became essential
institutions, accessible to broader audiences, fostering an educated citizenry and
national pride.

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TYPES OF MUSEUMS
Museums have diversified over time, specializing in different aspects of human
knowledge, history, and culture. This diversification reflects the increasing
complexity of both the material and intellectual world, as well as the need for
specialized knowledge and interpretation.

Art Museums are dedicated to the collection and exhibition of visual art,
including paintings, sculptures, and other artistic forms. These institutions play a
crucial role in preserving and showcasing both historical and contemporary art,
providing a space for the public to engage with artistic expression. Notable
examples include the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Uffizi
Gallery in Florence (Kelly, 2021). These institutions not only display works but
also conduct research to understand their historical context and influence.

Fig 1.1: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC

History Museums focus on human history, displaying artifacts, documents, and
objects that narrate the development of civilizations. They offer insight into past
societies, human achievements, and cultural developments. The Smithsonian
National Museum of American History, for example, provides a comprehensive
overview of the American experience, from colonial times to the present (Brown,
2022).

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 Fig 1.2: Natural History Museum London, England
Natural History and Science Museums preserve and exhibit objects related to
the natural world, including fossils, minerals, animal specimens, and scientific
instruments. These museums, such as the Natural History Museum in London or
the American Museum of Natural History in New York, also focus on educating
the public about science, evolution, environmental conservation, and the
interconnectedness of life on Earth (Bennett, 2020). In an age of environmental
crisis, these museums have taken on increased significance in raising awareness
about biodiversity, climate change, and sustainability.

Fig 1.3: Natural History and Science Museum, Oxford London

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Cultural and Ethnographic Museums explore the cultural practices, values,
and traditions of different peoples around the world. They play an essential role
in representing both indigenous and marginalized communities. The Igbo-Ukwu
Museum in Nigeria, for instance, exhibits bronze and terracotta artifacts of the
Igbo people, showcasing their artistic and cultural heritage (Nnadi, 2023). These
institutions are often centers of identity formation, offering communities the
opportunity to reconnect with their past.

Fig 1.4: Ethnographic museum Rwanda

VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS/SECTIONS IN THE MUSEUM
Museums are complex institutions with various departments, each playing a
crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation, preservation of collections,
educational outreach, and overall visitor experience. These departments are often
interconnected, working collaboratively to fulfill the museum's mission of
conserving and sharing human culture, history, art, or science with the public.
Below are the main departments commonly found in museums, along with their
key functions and responsibilities.

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1. Curatorial Department: The curatorial department is the heart of any
museum, responsible for the care, research, and interpretation of the museum's
collection. Curators are experts in specific areas, such as fine art, history,
natural sciences, or anthropology, depending on the focus of the museum.

 Collection Management: Curators oversee the acquisition of new items,

which involves identifying potential additions to the museum’s collection,
evaluating their significance, and securing them through purchase,
donation, or loan. The process includes ensuring the proper documentation
of each object, maintaining accurate records, and keeping inventories.

 Research: Curators conduct extensive research on the objects in the

museum's collection, as well as new acquisitions, to understand their
historical, cultural, or scientific context. This research is often published in
academic journals or museum catalogs (Schwartz, 2020).

Fig 1.5: Curator handling a fragile piece of pottery

 Exhibitions: Curators also plan and organize exhibitions, selecting objects,
designing the layout, and writing interpretive labels and educational

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 material. They collaborate with educators to ensure that exhibits align with
the museum's educational goals (Donnelly, 2021).

2. Conservation Department: The conservation department is responsible for

the physical care and preservation of the museum's collections. This
department plays a critical role in maintaining the longevity of artefacts,
artworks, and historical objects, ensuring that future generations can study and
appreciate them.

 Conservation Science: Conservators analyse materials using scientific

methods to understand their composition and decay processes. This
knowledge informs the best preservation methods and restoration
techniques.
 Restoration: When an object is damaged or deteriorating, conservators
carefully restore it to its original condition using specialized techniques.
This work must balance maintaining the artefact’s integrity while making
it presentable for exhibition (Caldwell, 2019).

Fig 1.6: Conservator working on a delicate artefact in a lab setting

 Preventive Conservation: This involves monitoring the museum
environment (e.g., temperature, humidity, and light levels) to prevent

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 damage to the collection. Conservators work closely with building
management to ensure optimal environmental conditions in storage areas
and exhibition spaces.

3. Education Department: The education department is central to a

museum’s role as a public institution. This department is responsible for
creating programs, resources, and experiences that help visitors, especially
school groups and educators, engage with the museum’s collections.

 Public Programs: The education department organizes lectures,

workshops, guided tours, and interactive activities designed for a wide
range of audiences, from children to adults. These programs often reflect
current exhibitions or significant historical anniversaries (Anderson,
2022).
 School Outreach: Many museums have specific programs tailored for
schools, offering resources that align with educational curricula. This
includes field trips, teacher training sessions, and the development of
online learning materials.
 Community Engagement: Museums today aim to be inclusive and
accessible to diverse communities. The education department often leads
initiatives to engage underserved audiences and make the museum relevant
to local populations (Smith, 2021).

Fig 1.7: Museum educator leading a group of school children on a guided tour

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4. Exhibition and Design Department: The exhibition and design
department is tasked with transforming the research and vision of the curators
into visually appealing and educational exhibits. This department is
responsible for the physical installation of exhibitions and ensuring that they
are both engaging and accessible.

 Exhibit Design: Designers create the layout and aesthetic of an exhibition,

determining how objects will be displayed and how visitors will move
through the space. They also design the lighting, interactive elements, and
multimedia components that enhance the visitor experience (Bennett,
2020).
 Installation: The team physically installs the exhibits, working with
conservators to handle fragile objects and ensure that they are displayed
safely and securely. They also construct and dismantle temporary
exhibitions.
 Multimedia and Technology: Modern museums frequently incorporate
digital elements into their exhibits, including touchscreens, virtual reality
(VR), or augmented reality (AR). This department works closely with the
IT department to integrate these technologies effectively.

Fig 1.8: Exhibition space being designed and installed

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5. Collections Management Department: The collections management
department is responsible for the documentation, storage, and care of the
museum's collection. This department works closely with the curators and
conservation team to ensure the proper handling and preservation of objects.
 Inventory Management: Collections managers maintain detailed records
of each item in the collection, including its origin, condition, and location.
This involves using museum collection management software to track
every object (Johnson, 2021).
 Storage and Logistics: Objects that are not on display need to be stored in
a way that prevents damage. Collections managers oversee the
organization of storage facilities, ensuring that conditions are optimal for
preservation.

Fig 1.9: Museum shelving with labelled artefacts

 Loans: When objects are lent to or borrowed from other institutions for
exhibitions, this department manages the loan agreements, transportation,
and insurance of the objects.

6. Visitor Services Department: The visitor services department is the front

line of the museum, responsible for enhancing the overall visitor experience.
This department handles everything from ticket sales to crowd management,
ensuring that visitors feel welcome and have access to all the resources they
need.

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  Guest Services: Staff in this department assist visitors with ticketing,
membership, information about exhibits, and directions around the
museum. They are often the first point of contact for museum-goers and
play a crucial role in creating a positive visitor experience.
 Accessibility: Visitor services also ensure that the museum is accessible to
all individuals, including those with disabilities. This may involve
providing ramps, audio guides, or tactile exhibits for blind or visually
impaired visitors (Walker, 2022).

Fig 1.10: Museum ticket counter with staff assisting visitors

 Events and Rentals: Many museums offer spaces for private events, such
as corporate gatherings or weddings. The visitor services department
coordinates these events, managing bookings, security, and catering.

7. Marketing and Communications Department: The marketing and

communications department is responsible for promoting the museum and
its exhibitions, programs, and events to the public. This department plays a
key role in building the museum's reputation, attracting visitors, and engaging
with the community.

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  Advertising and Public Relations: The team develops marketing
campaigns across various media, including print, digital, and social media.
They work to generate press coverage, manage social media accounts, and
create promotional materials like brochures and ads (Carver, 2021).
 Branding: Marketing teams also manage the museum's brand identity,
ensuring consistency across all communications. This includes the
museum’s website, social media presence, and physical signage.
 Membership and Development: This department is also responsible for
fundraising efforts, cultivating relationships with donors, and managing
membership programs that provide financial support to the museum.

8. Development and Fundraising Department: Museums rely heavily on

donations, grants, and sponsorships to fund their activities, especially those
that are non-profit institutions. The development and fundraising
department is tasked with securing financial support for the museum’s
operations, programs, and future projects.

 Fundraising Campaigns: This department organizes campaigns to raise

funds from individual donors, corporate sponsors, and foundations. These
campaigns can range from annual giving drives to large capital campaigns
for specific projects (Stewart, 2022).
 Grant Writing: Development officers write grant proposals to secure
funding from government agencies, private foundations, and philanthropic
organizations.
 Membership Programs: Many museums offer memberships that provide
exclusive benefits to patrons in exchange for financial support. The
development department manages these programs, working to grow the
museum’s membership base.

9. Security and Facilities Management Department: The security and

facilities management department ensures the physical safety of both the

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museum's collection and its visitors. This department is responsible for
overseeing security personnel, building maintenance, and emergency
planning.

Fig 1.11: Museum security guard in a gallery

 Security: Museums are home to valuable and often irreplaceable objects.

Security teams monitor the galleries, handle surveillance, and respond to
incidents like theft or vandalism. They also manage the transportation and
protection of objects on loan (Morgan, 2020).
 Building Maintenance: Facilities staff are responsible for the upkeep of
the museum building itself, including heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning (HVAC) systems that help preserve sensitive objects. They
also handle repairs and renovations as needed.
 Emergency Preparedness: The department develops emergency plans for
situations such as fires, natural disasters, or security breaches, ensuring that
both the collection and visitors are protected in a crisis.

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CONCLUSION
Museums today are multifaceted institutions that serve critical functions in
society. They preserve cultural, scientific, and historical objects, educate the
public, foster research, and contribute to cultural identity and representation.
While their role has expanded in response to societal changes, they continue to
face challenges, particularly concerning ethics, digital transformation, and
inclusivity. As museums evolve, they remain essential spaces for reflection on
both the past and the future, helping societies navigate the complexities of modern
life by offering insight, inspiration, and understanding.

The various departments in a museum work together to create a seamless and

enriching experience for visitors while preserving and caring for the collection.
Each department, from curatorial and conservation to education and visitor
services, plays a crucial role in maintaining the institution’s mission. As museums
continue to evolve in response to changing societal needs, these departments
remain vital to their operation, ensuring that museums can continue to educate,
inspire, and engage future generations.

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 REFERENCES
Anderson, R. (2021). Museums and Education: A Global Perspective. Cambridge
University Press.
Bennett, C. (2020). Science Museums and the Public: A Relationship Built on
Discovery. Palgrave Macmillan.
Brown, P. (2022). American History in Museums: A National Identity.
Smithsonian Institution Press.
Caldwell, M. (2019). Art Conservation: Theory and Practice. University of
Chicago Press.
Cameron, L. (2021). Virtual Museums in a Digital Age: Challenges and
Opportunities. Routledge.
Carver, J. (2021). Museums and Social Media: Building a Digital Audience.
Palgrave Macmillan.
Dean, P. (2020). A History of Museums: From Private Collections to Public
Institutions. Harvard University Press.
Ekpo, U. (2021). "The Repatriation Debate: Colonial Artifacts and Western
Museums." Journal of African Studies, 15(3), 189-202.
Gibson, T. (2022). Museums and Social Justice: Engaging with Contemporary
Issues. Routledge.
Harrison, M. (2022). The Role of Natural History Museums in Biodiversity
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Johnson, A. (2021). Managing Museum Collections: From Inventory to
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Nnadi, A. (2023). "Cultural Heritage and Identity in Igbo-Ukwu Artifacts."
African Arts Journal, 12(4), 75-83.
Schwartz, E. (2020). Museum Research and Collections: New Approaches.
University of California Press.
Simmons, R. (2019). The Louvre: A Museum for the People. Abrams.
Smith, A. (2020). Museums, Indigenous Peoples, and the Politics of
Representation. University of Toronto Press.
Stewart, P. (2022). Fundraising for Museums: Strategies for Development
Officers. Praeger.
Walker, M. (2022). Museum Accessibility: Inclusive Design Practices. Museum
Learning Press.

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