Revealing Hidden Histories
The concept of archaeological ‘discovery’ is often envisioned as the careful removal of layers to uncover the past and enlighten the present, a metaphor that underlies the museum’s role as a keeper of forgotten times. However, the reality of loss is constant, with many stories and narratives being displaced every day. In this context, the “Revealing Hidden Histories” section of our collection highlights a select group of museums and archives. These institutions are dedicated to preserving and bringing to light narratives, stories, and experiences that have been intentionally suppressed, ignored or overlooked.
Abbe Museum, Maine, US
The Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor, Maine, showcases 12,000 years of Native American culture in Maine, especially the Wabanaki. Founded in 1926, it underwent a decolonization process in 2015, becoming a Smithsonian Affiliate. The museum, now led by a Wabanaki tribal member, integrates Native perspectives in exhibits, policy-making, and educational outreach, focusing on historical and contemporary Wabanaki life and art, including the influential “Micmac Indian Craftsmen” of the 1960s.
Ahmed Iqbal Ullah
Race CENTRE and
Education Trust
Founded in 2001 in Manchester, The Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Education Trust focuses on the histories of global majority communities. It maintains a unique library and archive on race, ethnicity, and migration in Manchester, the UK, and America. Through projects, exhibitions, and an anti-racist curriculum, it emphasizes the contributions of these communities to British history, while publishing multicultural materials and promoting educational resources that highlight diverse narratives.
AKA Kurdistan
AKA Kurdistan aims to create a collective memory for the Kurds, an ethnic group without a national archive, spread across Iraq, Iran, Syria, Turkey, and parts of the former Soviet Union. Facing oppression in these regions, over 20 million Kurds are united by their religion, language, culture, and shared history of persecution. The site offers a borderless space for sharing images and recollections, documenting the Kurds’ long and suppressed history.
Arab Image Foundation
The Arab Image Foundation, with a collection of over 500,000 photographic items from the Middle East, North Africa, and the Arab diaspora, operates at the crossroads of artistic creation, research, and archiving. Established over 25 years through contributions from artists and researchers, it adopts a critical approach to exploring, preserving, and reinterpreting these images, addressing complex social and political realities..
Center for Persecuted Arts
The Center for Persecuted Arts, supported by Solingen and the Rhineland Regional Council, focuses on rediscovering lost or neglected art, stories, and fates linked to persecution, migration, and exile. It fosters civic engagement with deep local and international connections, partnering globally to address historical oppression. Serving as a hub for dialogue, research, and education, it bridges generations and communities interested in exploring these themes.
First Nations at Australia Museum
The Australian Museum’s First Nations section is a resource for learning about the enduring cultures and histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The museum showcases significant collections and encourages the interpretation of objects through collaboration with First Nations communities. It aims to deepen public knowledge and respect for these cultures via exhibits and programs, while also featuring First Nations writers’ perspectives on relevant issues​
Hidden History Museum
The Hidden History Museum in Los Angeles, focuses on the history of Foundational Black Americans. Located in the historically Black Jefferson Park, it celebrates the area’s significant role in shaping the city’s Black community. The museum features immersive exhibits and oral histories, highlighting the contributions of key figures and the community’s cultural resilience, thus preserving and honoring the profound influence of Black history in Los Angeles.
Migration Museum
Migration, a vital contemporary issue, forms the core of Britain’s identity, shaped by centuries of movement. Despite many national museums, the UK lacks a permanent Migration Museum. This proposed museum, aimed to be engaging and educational for all ages, currently resides in Lewisham Shopping Centre, South London, since 2020. It plans to offer exhibitions, events, and a comprehensive learning program, while fostering a digital presence and a UK-wide network of museums and galleries sharing migration knowledge.
Museumand: The National Caribbean Heritage Museum
Museumand based in Nottingham, the National Caribbean Heritage Museum, celebrates the Caribbean impact on UK life. It showcases untold stories, history, and contemporary culture through exhibitions and events featuring personal accounts and diverse artifacts. As a “museum without walls,” it engages communities, particularly those underrepresented in heritage spaces, to highlight shared histories and culture.
Qtopia
Qtopia, opened in 2021 in Sydney, is Australia’s first LGBTQI+ museum, highlighting the local queer community’s history. It features exhibitions from First Nations to present, an AIDS memorial, and a recreation of Ward 17 South, Australia’s first HIV/AIDS unit. Focused on empowerment and inclusivity, Qtopia showcases authentic LGBTQIA+ history and culture
Palestinian Museum
The Palestinian Museum, established in 1997, fosters Palestinian culture and heritage globally. With branches in Switzerland and Palestine, it connects Palestinians through digital archives and innovative programs. Originally commemorating the Nakba, it now transcends political borders, promoting Palestinian narratives, community engagement, and a hopeful vision for the future.
Women’s History Museum Zambia
The Women’s History Museum of Zambia champions the preservation and restoration of African indigenous knowledge, focusing on women. It aims to popularize and apply this knowledge, enriching how African women’s history is understood. Addressing the scarcity of documented information on African women, the museum salvages oral archives and curates exhibitions, seeking to catalogue, exhibit, and commercialize indigenous knowledge for wider appreciation and cultural enrichment.