The Mediterranean historical imaginary : interpretation and presentation in micro museums of central Mediterranean islands

Abstract

Curators of micro museums located in the central Mediterranean islands of Malta, Gozo and Sicily informed the research on ways and methods they apply to construct, interpret and present the Mediterranean and its historical imaginary in their museums. An analysis of the literature presents definitions of the Mediterranean and its historical imaginary. Following a face-to-face interview based on a semi-structured questionnaire, the research found that curators find it difficult to interpret the Mediterranean. The absence of an explicit reference to the Mediterranean and its historical imaginary was acknowledged. Independent micro museums tend to show more freedom to present such community imaginaries. Curators and their represented communities are countered by the implicit importance given, and connections perceived, by the represented communities through the musealia. Although not specifically presented, the imaginary was more indicated in grassroots micro museums characterised by curators enjoying agency than in other micro museums.