How have colonial legacies and museum interpretation perpetuated systemic racism and to what extent can anti-colonial approaches to this history enable change?

This thesis aims to interrogate the impact of colonial legacies on museum interpretation and ways in which the heritage sector has upheld or perpetuated white supremacist, colonial ideologies. Though this research explores the definition of what a museum really is, as well as the historical roots of said institutions, the subject matter is largely examined in relation to Black Lives Matter protests during June 2020.

Focusing on this specific series of events and the ensuing criticism levelled at heritage sector institutions has allowed me to examine the source of pro-colonialism and white supremacy in museums, whilst simultaneously enabling an exploration of anti-colonial approaches which may go some way to halting the proliferation of harmful and discriminatory attitudes. This thesis asks whether the damage done by colonialism and its role in the construction of history in the Global North can ever truly be undone and whether ‘decolonisation’ is therefore possible.

Arising from the researcher’s professional experience working in a large heritage sector organisation for over 4 years provides some contextual understanding and inspires a specific interest in the knowledge and experiences of others working in the sector before, during and after the Black Lives Matter movement’s rise to global significance in 2020. Interviews with said professionals therefore provide an insight into the reality of heritage sector responses to legacies of colonial violence, and some of the challenges associated with anti-colonial work.

This research is qualitative and brings interviews together with case studies and a wealth of supporting literature to form recommendations for a sector which no longer perpetuates pro-colonialism and Eurocentrism, prioritising healing.