Sherry Butcher-Younghans is a historian working in the areas of public history and historic preservation.
Review
"Pulls together a range of information in a handy reference written specially for the nonprofessional house
museum staff....Its candid language, extensive subject-specific bibliographies, and lists of additional resources
provide a strong foundation on which staff can build a commitment to professional standards for the care and interpretation
of historical resources."
--Winterthur Portfolio
"This book is invaluable not only to curators of house museums but also for all owners of old houses."
--Preservation Notes Newsletter
"A useful and timely document to assist with the ongoing preservation of America's past."
--History News
Oxford University Press Web Site, May, 2000
Summary
Historic house museums can be found in nearly every city in the United States and Canada. Despite their popularity,
it is not uncommon to find museums that are in poor repair, their collections neglected and their staffs grossly
overworked. Many are run by well-meaning and hard-working volunteers who have little or no professional training.
Often they survive on shoestring budgets and are able to present only limited programs. Serving both as a hands-on
guide and reference, this book examines these problems, offering practical advice and solutions which can be easily
implemented. Its useful "lessons" include governance, where to find help, care of collections, conservation,
security, and interpretation--all designed to increase the professionalism of the historic house museum.
Announcing the most complete and useful handbook of its kind!
