Thesis
Re-humanizing remains: reducing objectification and bringing context to human remains with innovative digital technologies and its potential application at the mütter museum
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Nov 2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00010790
Abstract
While the practice of removing human remains from view is becoming a standard for anthropological and natural history museums, the Mütter Museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a unique exception. This medical history museum primarily displays human remains, presenting a unique opportunity for ethical evolution. By studying how other Philadelphia museums use digital interactives, we can envision how the Mütter could implement these digital tools to further context and empathy surrounding human remains. This research is not only a study but also a call to action to inspire the archivists and decision makers at the Mütter and similar institutions to incorporate digital interactives into their permanent exhibits. The goal of providing an interactive experience is to promote a feeling of empathy within museum visitors to view the displays of human remains in a different way. Not just as objects in museums, but rather as individuals who were once living and breathing members of society with families and challenges that the visitor may also experience today. The end goal is to create a full experience of not only seeing the exhibits, but also enhancing the emotional experience that a museum provides. Content Warning: images of actual human remains
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Details
- Title
- Re-humanizing remains
- Creators
- Marshall J. O'Neill
- Contributors
- Pamela Yau (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- vi, 88 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Arts Administration; Arts and Entertainment Enterprise; Drexel University; Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design
- Other Identifier
- 991021962714104721