Role of Museum in the Preservation of Knowledge
Abstract of Role of Museum in the Preservation of Knowledge
The purpose of this study is to look at the role museums play in the preservation of knowledge. In doing this, the author tended to discuss briefly the general museum, making specific reference to the national museum of colonial history Aba.
The study pinpoints some of the problems militating against the museum.
It also examines the crucial and inevitable impacts of objects in knowledge preservation and also sees museum as a indispensable agency in the national development.
Finally, the study goes on to recommend possible ways of improving the museum services in Nigeria.
Chapter One of Role of Museum in the Preservation of Knowledge
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF STUDY
The establishment of museum is significant in ay developing nation like Nigeria where historical record provides a link between the past, the present and the future.
The importance attached to ay museum object derives its value in cultural and historical context which may span over areas such as religion, education, politics, economy and warfare. It is most unfortunate however, that many Nigerians to date have not yet realised the importance of museums to the society.
To such people, museums are associated with artificacts and monuments, which are regarded as old and useless objects. Meant for incineration.
This type of impression attached to museums has such affect that most of the objects which would have been very useful in the general enlightenment and education of the public suffer from deterioration.
The role of museums in the preservation of knowledge – (A case study of National Museum of Colonial History Aba which is the topic of this project) – cannot be well treated if the concept of “knowledge” and “museums” are not understood.
Knowledge is a philosophical concept.
The origin is something which the early philosophers like plato, Aristotle and Honer had tried through various approaches to trace. However, an ordinary meaning of the word “knowledge” is “understanding” “familiarity” gained by experience”.
Although, simple proof shows that knowledge is an impression or of what one had been or (remnants of it). The impression of that object left in the brain or memory is the idea of it, so idea is knowledge.
A museum is defined as a temple, home, resort of the learned, an institution or repository for the collection, exhibition and study of objects of artistic, historic, scientific and educational interest.
2. “It is an institution established to encourage the preservation and discovery of, as far as possible, the deterioration and loss of objects treasured by the society.
Museum originated with man’s interest in collecting, accumulating precious, beautiful and curious objects. The oldest of such collections were privately financed, made by the wealthy or by the church.
Museums in general, do for objects what libraries and archives do for books and Government records respectively. It is necessary to stress here that the society does not tend to preserve her objects just to hoard them, but to preserve them because of their intellectual values.
It is pertinent to note that the most important phenomenon which have influenced the direction of human development and progress are scientific discoveries and warfare of these greater attention has been paid to the preservation and presentation of information relating to the former but less has been done concerning the later. Yet information about scientific episodes and the development of warfare are of equal importance if we are to have a balance view of the course of human development and progress.
Man, from the prehistoric times has always been inquisite. However, there should be no doubt, therefore about the enormous role which historic museum have played in the overall shaping of the society.
Unpleasant and horrible as slavery may seem, the preservation of the relics of colonial history efforts becomes the responsibility of every government that needs to be informed about itself and of course the nation’s development.
The knowledge about human past activities ovide a soud foundation for present day action.
To take no cognisance of this is to black out the past and there is no known society that delights in doing so. It is in this context that the establishment of National Museum of colonial history Aba finds its justification.
The museum and the exhibitions therein, are aimed at preserving the colonial history of Nigeria. The purpose of this work is to enable the public see the historical events that took place before Nigeria gained her independence.