A Nexus of Learning—Museums and the Importance of Public History

According to a 2021 American Historical Association study, only 32% of American adults get their understanding of history from books. However, nearly 70% get their understanding of history from movies and documentaries. Another startling statistic reports less than a third of U.S. adults can pass the U.S. Citizenship Test. Worse still, the vast majority of K-12 learners are woefully lacking in any critical understanding of the American past. So, what role does and should museums and historic sites play in reversing these trends? Coleman suggests museums can fill these voids with innovation and a broad range of resources that attract public interest.

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