Georgi Verbeeck (Maastricht University / University of Leuven)
Since the beginning of the 21st century, the history of colonialism seems to be in need of a thorough overhaul. The postcolonial debate is not only about perspectives on the past itself, but perhaps even more about contemporary needs, ambitions and expectations. Museums on colonial history are no exception. An example of a colonial museum that had to reinvent itself within the tension of academic innovation, social and cultural activism, and political interventions is the AfricaMuseum in Brussels (Belgium). In this presentation the author will highlight the many facets of the transformation process of the AfricaMuseum: the changed vision within scientific historiography, the tension between historical research and education, the social and political debates regarding decolonization in general.
In addition to presenting a specific case study, this paper also aims to provide a more theoretical contribution to the importance and limitations of the phenomenon of “engagement” for historical scholarship and historical culture in general. How can an institution, such as a museum, find the right balance between social commitment and academic reliability and pedagogical usefulness? The AfricaMuseum serves as an excellent example to address these challenges.