Hindshaw and Historical Amnesia: the legacy of an educational museum

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This research resurrects a female curator of acute contemporary relevance, using her story to uncover how gender and class issues led to historical amnesia in the heritage field. Bertha Hindshaw's (1881-1955) emphasis on the museum as a place of active learning, rather than treasure house, is particularly relevant to current museums' 'too much stuff' crisis. Steeped in the advanced ideas of female educators and artists of her circle, Hindshaw transformed the neglected Horsfall collection, changing lives in its surrounding inner-city community. This work drew international attention. By uncovering her networks and innovations, this research shows how Hindshaw's pioneering ideas evolved, asks how such an important figure was forgotten and reveals what we can learn from her practice.