SIH Organizes a Session on Personal Museums to Promote Awareness of Cultural Memory
As part of its celebration of the International Museum Day, observed annually on May 18, the Sharjah Institute for Heritage held a discussion session on Monday morning titled “Personal Museums: A Told Memory and a Listening Place.” The event underscored the significance of museums as custodians of cultural memory and spaces dedicated to preserving human heritage. It also reflected the Institute’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the importance of cultural heritage and its vital role in safeguarding collective memory and reinforcing national identity, thereby strengthening individuals’ connection to their cultural and human legacy and preserving its components for future generations.
A Cultural Session to Promote Heritage Awareness
In this context, the Institute’s Kalba branch organized the session as part of its cultural programs aimed at highlighting the value of heritage-related knowledge initiatives. The event hosted Dr. Fatima Al Mughni, a researcher in Emirati folk heritage, who delivered an insightful presentation on the concept of personal museums as cultural and human spaces that preserve personal and family stories and experiences. She emphasized their role in documenting social heritage and transmitting it to future generations, thereby ensuring the sustainability of cultural heritage and its presence within collective memory.
Personal Museums: Stories that Preserve Heritage
The session addressed several key themes, most notably the role of heritage in shaping national identity and the importance of heritage artifacts in evoking human memory. It also explored ways of employing modern technologies to support personal museums and enhance their presentation methods while preserving their authenticity and cultural value.
Community Engagement Reflecting the Importance of Cultural Initiatives
The session witnessed notable engagement from attendees through interventions and discussions that enriched the dialogue, reflecting growing interest in cultural initiatives aimed at preserving collective memory, strengthening connections to national heritage, and reinforcing its presence in the consciousness of society.