Migration Museums as Sites of Civic Learning: Exploring Global Citizenship Education in Three Countries

• In Event: Power and Learning in Museums: Reimagining Museums as Sites of Untold Histories

Abstract

This study explores how (im)migration museums in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States foster civic and global citizenship education among secondary students. It examines how exhibitions and educational programs promote critical consciousness (Freire, 1970; Lindauer, 2007) and justice-oriented citizenship (Westheimer & Kahne, 2004). The findings reveal common critical narratives surrounding (im)migration, as well as varied pedagogical strategies used to support civic learning. While the exhibitions reflect global and inclusive perspectives, a disconnect emerges between curators’ intentions and educators’ understandings of global citizenship. This research offers a nuanced analysis of museums as spaces for civic learning and proposes a critical framework to examine how educational environments and materials support the development of critical consciousness and justice-oriented civic engagement.

Author

• Daria Smirnova, University of South Florida