History of the Museums Association

The History of the Museums Association is the history of the UK based Museums Association (MA), which is the oldest museum association in the world.[1] The concept was first proposed by Elijah Howarth of the Weston Park Museum, Sheffield in 1877.

The Objects

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The objects of the MA were stated as follows:[2]: 88 

  • The object of the Association shall be the promotion of better and more systematic working of Museums throughout the Kingdom. In order to promote a better knowledge of Museums, the Association shall meet in a different town each succeeding year.
  • That each Museum contributing not less than one guinea a year be a Member of the Association, and that individuals interested in scientific work be admitted as Associates on payment of 10s. 6d. annually.
  • That each Museum be represented by three delegates, each having one vote. Each Associate to have one vote.
  • That each Museum belonging to the Association and each Associate receive one copy of the publications of the Association.
  • That a General Meeting of the Association be held annually, for the transaction of business, the reading of papers, and the discussion of matters relating to Museums

Annual Conferences

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The Museums Association held annual conferences incorporating the Annual General Meeting, hosted by different museums:

Date Host museum President Notes
1890[3] William Brown Library and Museum, Liverpool Henry Higgins
1891[3] Cambridge University Museum of Zoology John Willis Clark
1892[3] Manchester Museum William Boyd Dawkins
1893[3] British Museum (Natural History), London William Henry Flower
1894[3] Dublin Science and Art Museum Valentine Ball
1895[3] Hancock Museum, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Rev. Alfred Merle Norman
1896[3] Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow James Paton
1897[3] Oxford Ray Lankester
1898[3] Sheffield William Henry Brittain
1899[3] Brighton Alfred Hawkes
1900[3] Canterbury Henry Woodward
1901[3] Edinburgh Museum of Science and Art William Turner
1902[3] Bradford William Priestley
1903[3] Aberdeen Francis Arthur Bather
1904[3] Norwich Sidney Frederic Harmer
1905[3] Worcester Robert Windsor-Clive, 1st Earl of Plymouth
1906[3] Bristol William Evans Hoyle
1907[3] Albert Institute, Dundee John Maclauchlan
1908 Ipswich Museum Jonathan Hutchinson

References

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  1. ^ Lewis, Geoffrey (1989). For Instruction and Recreation: A Centenary History of the Museums Association. London: Quiller. ISBN 1-870948-37-8.
  2. ^ "Museums Association". Museums Journal. I Volume I. Museums Association [etc .] 1902.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Howarth, E. (Elijah); Rowley, F. R.; Butterfield, W. Ruskin; Madeley, Charles (1907). "List of Annual Conferences, with Places of Meeting and Names of Presidents". Museums Journal. VII (August 1907). London, Museums Association [etc.]