Case Study: Refugees as global guides in Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, USA)
At the University of Pennsylvania (US), the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology recognizes the wealth of knowledge that refugees possess regarding their home countries. Since 2018, the museum has taken an innovative approach by employing a select group of refugees as ‘global guides’. These knowledgeable individuals serve as invaluable resources, offering contextual explanations and insights into the exhibits showcased in the museum’s recently renovated Middle East Gallery. With their personal experiences and connections to the objects on display, these tour guides seamlessly bridge the gap between the museum’s collection and their own rich cultural backgrounds.
Organization
Nestled within the University City neighborhood of Philadelphia, the Penn Museum, formerly known as The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, stands as a prominent institution dedicated to archaeology and anthropology. Situated on the University of Pennsylvania’s campus, this renowned museum is home to an extensive collection of over 1.3 million artifacts. Notably, it boasts one of the world’s most comprehensive assemblages of art from the Middle East and its neighboring regions.
In an endeavor to enrich visitors’ experiences and foster a sense of cultural inclusivity, the museum has implemented a practice of employing guides hailing from the very countries of origin represented within the collections. These guides bring a unique depth to the explanations, drawing upon their specific knowledge and personal connections. This thoughtful approach not only enhances visitors’ understanding of the artifacts but also contributes to the well-being of newcomers, as they are engaged in a manner that acknowledges and values their expertise.
Case Description
The recently reopened Middle East gallery at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology showcases remarkable artifacts, including the burial garments of Queen Puabi from around 2550 BCE, consisting of an impressive gold headdress and beaded shirt. The case is best described by experiences of those involved. Moumena Saradar, a Syrian refugee who arrived in Philadelphia in 2016, serves as one of the museum’s tour guides. In addition to her work as a medical interpreter during the week, she dedicates her weekends to guiding visitors through the gallery.
Saradar underwent extensive training to deliver detailed historical tours and engage with visitors’ inquiries. Her personal experiences and cultural background enable her to establish connections between the ancient artifacts and present-day cultures. During her tours, Saradar emphasizes the significance of gold jewelry in Syrian weddings, sharing images of bustling jewelry shops in Damascus, where locals still cherish this tradition.
The museum’s education programs manager, Kevin Schott, recognizes the unique value that Saradar and other guides bring to the museum experience. While local docents may lack firsthand knowledge, these guides infuse their personal stories and memories into their tours, creating an enriching and immersive encounter for visitors.
Another guide, Hadi Jasim, spent summers as a child near the ruins of the ancient city of Ur in southern Iraq, the origin of many objects displayed in the gallery. Reflecting on his childhood, he recalls playing soccer and imagining the lives of the people who built the structures. Jasim later worked as an interpreter for the US-led coalition forces and the UN in Iraq before immigrating to the United States. Now employed in food service at a local hospital, he finds solace and nostalgia in his role as a museum guide, relishing the opportunity to revisit his memories through the clay tablets and carvings on display.
Both Jasim and Saradar have encountered questions from visitors about the appropriateness of these antiquities being housed in a Western museum. Saradar addresses this by explaining the century-old excavation of these objects by university archaeologists in cooperation with local governments. Jasim expresses deep concern over the damage inflicted upon Iraqi historic sites during the war and by ISIS and looters. However, he finds comfort in the preservation of some of his heritage in close proximity, which allows him to feel a sense of belonging and familiarity.
Impact
The tour guides undergo specialized training to deliver comprehensive museum tours, offering valuable information and addressing visitors’ inquiries. They are encouraged to infuse their tours with a personal touch, sharing their own memories and interpretations of the objects. One such remarkable guide is Moumena Saradar, who, along with her family, sought refuge in 2016, fleeing the conflict in Syria. During her tours, Moumena stops by the burial garments of Queen Puabi, dating back to around 2550 BC. She provides context to the intricate gold headdress by discussing how, in Syria, people still save up for gold jewelry to adorn themselves during weddings.
Kevin Schott, the museum’s education programs manager, highlights the unique contributions these guides offer that local docents may not possess. He notes, “During almost every tour, someone will ask, ‘What about today? Do people still engage in these practices? Is this place still relevant?'” Kevin explains that as a non-expert, he is unable to provide definitive answers. However, the refugee guides, with their firsthand experiences and deep connections to their respective cultures, can offer insights that resonate with visitors in a profoundly meaningful way.
What can we learn?
As the museum looks to expand its global galleries, more guides from abroad will join their ranks, further enriching the visitor experience and promoting cultural understanding. It is interesting to Winsome that the newcomers are not treated as a marginalized or challenged group, but as specialists in scientific and geographical background.
References
Author
Bob Crezee, Quiosq (NL)
