Burnaby Village Museum

Uncovering Cultural Narratives and Historical Gaps at the Burnaby Village Museum

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Course: GEOG 1160
Term Date: Spring 2024

Overview
Located in Burnaby, British Columbia, the outdoor Burnaby Village Museum provides a realistic
depiction of life in the Lower Mainland during the 1920s. Through its extensive collection of
objects, historically significant buildings, and live performances, the museum allows visitors to
fully immerse themselves in the everyday lives of people living in the early 20th century.
Nonetheless, the purpose of this photo essay is to critically analyze how the Burnaby Village
Museum portrays the historical and cultural narratives of the area, pointing out any
inadequacies or prejudices in its displays, (Stanger-Ross, 2010). Even if the museum offers
priceless glimpses into the afterlife, it's important to assess how fully it incorporates the various
cultural histories and contributions of the local Indigenous population as well as other minority
populations. By means of this study, the project aims to draw attention to both the positive
aspects and potential areas for enhancement in the museum's depiction of the past, promoting
a more comprehensive and precise picture of the region's rich historical fabric.
Goal and Justification
The purpose of this assignment is to make the case that, despite providing an engaging and
instructive experience, the Burnaby Village Museum does not adequately reflect the many
cultural histories and contributions of the local Indigenous population as well as other minority
groups. The museum does a great job at some aspects of historic depiction, but it might do
more at giving a more truthful and inclusive picture of the past. Through a critical analysis of the
museum's story, this visual essay will draw attention to the need for a more comprehensive and
fair representation of the Lower Mainland's rich cultural and historical legacy.
Techniques
Data will be gathered for the project at the Burnaby Village Museum through a self-guided
subject examination. In order to obtain a deeper understanding of the revelations, this visit will
entail snapping pictures, taking part in guided tours, and tasting with museum staff members
and other available sources. To contextualize the results within larger historical and cultural
discussions, the analysis could be bolstered with instructional resources in addition to actual
observations. The combination of academic research and subject analysis will provide a strong
basis for the main point of the photo essay.
Pertinence to the Course Content
The spatial representation of historical and cultural narratives is a central concept in GEOG
1160. This project will investigate how museums influence public memory and identity using
route materials, class notes, and assigned literature. In particular, Anderson and Geismar
(2017) draw attention to how museums frequently marginalize minority voices while replicating
dominant cultural narratives in "The Anthropology of Museums: A Reader". This theoretical
framework can be used to investigate the well-known exhibits at the Burnaby Village Museum
and identify areas that require improvement in terms of inclusion and illustration.
Pertinence to the Course Content
The spatial representation of historical and cultural narratives is a central concept in GEOG
1160. This project will investigate how museums influence public memory and identity using
route materials, class notes, and assigned literature. In particular, Anderson and Geismar
(2017) draw attention to how museums frequently marginalize minority voices while replicating
dominant cultural narratives in "The Anthropology of Museums: A Reader". This theoretical
framework can be used to investigate the well-known exhibits at the Burnaby Village Museum
and identify areas that require improvement in terms of inclusion and illustration.
Work Cited
Stanger-Ross, J. (2010). Staying Italian: Urban Change and Ethnic Life in Postwar Toronto and
Philadelphia. University of Chicago Press.
Draft Timeline for Project Completion.
Task Description Dates

Pre-field Study Conduct initial research on the Burnaby Village June 5 - June 10, 2024
Background Museum, review lecture notes and course
Research readings, and identify additional academic
sources.
Site Visit and Photos Visit the Burnaby Village Museum, take June 12, 2024
photographs, participate in guided tours, and
gather notes.
Rough Reflection Review and reflect on the site visit, organize June 14 - June 16,
Notes photographs, and begin drafting initial 2024
observations and arguments.
Additional Research Conduct further research to support the photo June 18 - June 20,
essay, focusing on academic articles and 2024
relevant historical sources.
First Draft Compile the photographs and write the first June 22 - June 25,
draft of the essay, including captions and 2024
integrating research.
Editing and Citations Edit the draft for clarity, coherence, and June 26 - June 28,
academic rigor. Confirm the accuracy of 2024
citations and compile the works cited page.
Second Draft Incorporate feedback from peers or instructors, June 30, 2024
refine arguments, and ensure the photo essay
meets all assignment criteria.
Final Edits Perform final edits and proofreading to ensure a July 2 - July 3, 2024
polished and professional presentation.
Finalized Project Submit the completed photo essay as a PDF July 4, 2024
file.

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Uncovering Cultural Narratives and Historical Gaps at the Burnaby Village Museum

Course: GEOG 1160

Term Date: Spring 2024

Goal and Justification

Pertinence to the Course Content

Pertinence to the Course Content

Draft Timeline for Project Completion.

Task Description Dates

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