Embedding civil engagement in museums

Initiatives over the last decade on both sides of the Atlantic and beyond have sought to re-position museums at the heart of their communities as agents for civil engagement. This paper explores the principles involved in making the role possible, using the example of urban history museums. It argues that this will take time, commitment and careful planning, and will impact on every aspect of the museum's activities. It is an essential task, however, reflecting the direction museums should be taking in society in the twenty-first century, but will only be achieved if there is a change of culture across the profession.