Books by Laura Peers

In the pages of this beautifully illustrated volume is the story of aneffort to build a bridge between museums and source communities inhopes of establishing stronger, more sustaining relationships betweenthe two and spurring change in prevailing museum policies. Theexperience of negotiating the tension between a museumΓÇÖsinstitutional protocol described by both the authors and by Blackfootcontributors to the volume was transformative. Museums seek to preserveobjects for posterity. However, the emotional and spiritual power ofobjects does not vanish with the death of those who created them. ForBlackfoot people today, these shirts are a living presence, one thatevokes a sense of continuity and inspires pride in Blackfoot culturalheritage.

Explores the trend for reconstructed historic sites to broaden their interpretation of early America by adding Native American interpreters to staffs that formerly presented from a primarily European perspective. This work examines the reasons behind this shift and the effects it has on visitors and performers.