The Newseum, a landmark dedicated to the power of journalism, closed its doors in December 2019, leaving a void in the cultural landscape of Washington, D.C., and prompting a crucial question: where did its vast collection of historical artifacts go? The museum’s closure, driven by financial difficulties, marked the end of an era, but the story of its treasures continues. This article delves into the dispersal of the Newseum’s collection, tracing the journey of iconic objects and exploring the institutions that now safeguard these pieces of journalistic history.
The Sale and Dispersal: A New Chapter for Historical Treasures
The Newseum’s collection was not simply discarded; instead, it was carefully curated and dispersed to ensure its preservation and continued accessibility to the public. The Freedom Forum, the Newseum’s parent organization, recognized the importance of these artifacts and prioritized finding suitable homes for them. The process involved a strategic approach, considering the nature of each item and identifying institutions best equipped to care for and display them.
The Bulk Sale to the Freedom Forum
Initially, the vast majority of the Newseum’s physical collection was transferred back to the Freedom Forum, the non-profit organization that established and operated the museum. This included a diverse range of objects, from historic newspapers and cameras to sections of the Berlin Wall and the antenna from the World Trade Center. The Freedom Forum assumed responsibility for the collection’s stewardship, initiating the process of finding new homes for these important pieces of history.
Strategic Partnerships and Donations
Rather than selling off the collection piecemeal, the Freedom Forum sought strategic partnerships with other museums, libraries, and educational institutions. This approach aimed to ensure that the artifacts would not only be preserved but also continue to educate and inspire future generations. Many items were donated to institutions with a clear commitment to journalistic history, allowing them to integrate these objects into their existing exhibitions and educational programs.
Key Institutions and Their Acquisitions
Several prominent institutions have become custodians of Newseum artifacts, each offering unique perspectives and interpretive frameworks for these historical treasures. Understanding which institutions acquired specific items provides insight into the collection’s ongoing accessibility and the ways in which it continues to shape public understanding of journalism and its role in society.
The Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution, with its network of museums and research centers, was a natural fit for a significant portion of the Newseum’s collection. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, in particular, has acquired a number of key objects, including cameras, printing presses, and other tools of the trade that document the evolution of journalism in the United States. The Smithsonian’s commitment to preserving and exhibiting these artifacts ensures that they will remain accessible to a wide audience for years to come.
The Library of Congress
As the world’s largest library, the Library of Congress is an invaluable repository of historical documents and information. The Library acquired a significant number of the Newseum’s newspaper and periodical collections, adding to its already vast holdings. These materials provide researchers and the public with access to a wealth of primary source information about historical events and the evolution of journalistic practices. The Library of Congress’s commitment to preserving these materials ensures their long-term accessibility for scholarly research and public education.
Other Museums and Universities
Beyond the Smithsonian and the Library of Congress, numerous other museums and universities have acquired artifacts from the Newseum’s collection. These institutions often specialize in specific areas of journalism or history, allowing them to provide unique context and interpretation for the objects they acquire. For example, university journalism programs may have acquired equipment or documents related to specific journalistic practices, while regional museums may have acquired items related to local news coverage.
Iconic Artifacts and Their Current Locations
While a comprehensive list of every item and its current location is difficult to compile, tracking down the most iconic and significant artifacts offers a glimpse into the collection’s dispersal and its continued presence in the public sphere. Knowing the whereabouts of these objects allows individuals and researchers to seek them out and engage with them directly.
The Berlin Wall Sections
The Newseum’s collection included several sections of the Berlin Wall, powerful symbols of freedom of expression and the struggle against oppression. These sections were acquired by various institutions and private collectors, ensuring their continued display and interpretation. Some sections are now part of museum collections, while others have been placed in public spaces, serving as reminders of the importance of freedom and democracy.
The World Trade Center Antenna
The antenna from the North Tower of the World Trade Center, a poignant symbol of the 9/11 attacks and the resilience of the American spirit, was another key artifact in the Newseum’s collection. This antenna was transferred to the care of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City, where it serves as a powerful reminder of the events of that day and the importance of remembering the victims.
Tim Russert’s Office
A recreation of the office of Tim Russert, the late moderator of “Meet the Press,” was a popular exhibit at the Newseum. This exhibit included Russert’s desk, chair, and personal belongings, offering visitors a glimpse into the life and work of a prominent journalist. After the Newseum’s closure, the Russert family reclaimed these items. Some items are on display at the Buffalo History Museum, allowing visitors to connect with Russert’s legacy and learn about his contributions to journalism.
The Future of the Collection: Preservation and Accessibility
The dispersal of the Newseum’s collection has raised questions about its long-term preservation and accessibility. While the Freedom Forum and the acquiring institutions have made efforts to ensure that these artifacts remain available to the public, there are ongoing challenges in maintaining and interpreting them.
Digitalization and Online Access
One way to ensure the long-term accessibility of the Newseum’s collection is through digitalization. By creating digital copies of documents, photographs, and other materials, institutions can make these resources available to researchers and the public online. This is particularly important for fragile or sensitive items that cannot be easily displayed or handled. Digitalization also allows for the creation of virtual exhibitions and educational resources, expanding the reach of the collection beyond the physical walls of museums and libraries.
Ongoing Research and Interpretation
The Newseum’s collection is not simply a static collection of objects; it is a dynamic resource that can be used to inform and inspire ongoing research and interpretation. By studying these artifacts, historians, journalists, and educators can gain new insights into the history of journalism and its role in shaping public opinion. The acquiring institutions have a responsibility to support this research and to make the findings available to the public through publications, exhibitions, and educational programs.
Ensuring Continued Public Engagement
Ultimately, the success of the Newseum’s legacy depends on ensuring continued public engagement with its collection. This requires a proactive approach on the part of the acquiring institutions, including promoting exhibitions and programs related to the collection, creating educational resources for students and teachers, and using social media and other online platforms to reach a wider audience. By actively engaging with the public, these institutions can ensure that the Newseum’s collection continues to educate, inspire, and inform for generations to come.
Challenges and Considerations
The process of dispersing and managing a large collection like that of the Newseum is not without its challenges. Ensuring proper preservation, providing adequate access, and maintaining the collection’s integrity requires significant resources and expertise.
Preservation Costs
Maintaining historical artifacts can be expensive. Proper storage facilities, climate control, and conservation treatments are necessary to prevent deterioration. Institutions that acquire Newseum items must be prepared to invest in these essential preservation measures to ensure the long-term survival of the collection.
Accessibility Concerns
While dispersal can provide broader access in some ways, it also creates challenges. The collection is now spread across numerous locations, making it more difficult for researchers and the public to see the collection in its entirety. Furthermore, some institutions may have limited resources to properly display or interpret the items they acquire.
Maintaining Context and Integrity
When artifacts are separated from their original context, there is a risk that their meaning and significance may be diminished. It is important for acquiring institutions to provide adequate context and interpretation for the Newseum items they display, ensuring that visitors understand their historical significance and their connection to the broader history of journalism. The dispersal of the collection also raises questions about its overall integrity. While each item may be well-preserved and displayed in its new home, the absence of a central repository means that the collection as a whole is no longer accessible as a unified entity.
The story of the Newseum’s collection is a testament to the enduring power of journalism and the importance of preserving its history. While the museum’s closure was a loss for Washington, D.C., the dispersal of its collection has ensured that these historical treasures will continue to educate and inspire for generations to come. By understanding where these artifacts have gone and the efforts being made to preserve and interpret them, we can ensure that the Newseum’s legacy lives on.
Where are the largest and most significant portions of the Newseum’s collection now housed?
Most of the Newseum’s significant historical artifacts and its substantial collection have been transferred to other institutions. A large portion of the collection, including many of the larger exhibits and iconic pieces, found a new home at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History. This ensured the preservation and continued public access to these culturally important items.
The transfer to the Smithsonian was designed to integrate the Newseum’s holdings into a broader historical context. The National Museum of American History, with its established infrastructure and extensive reach, is well-equipped to care for and display these artifacts. This transition has allowed these items to remain accessible to the public and to continue educating visitors about the history of journalism and its impact on society.
What happened to the Newseum’s Berlin Wall sections?
The Newseum’s large sections of the Berlin Wall, a powerful symbol of freedom and the Cold War, have been relocated to various sites. Several sections were acquired by different museums and institutions across the United States, where they serve as educational exhibits. These institutions are committed to preserving the historical significance of these pieces and making them available for public viewing.
Other sections were sold to private collectors or businesses with the understanding that they would be displayed in a respectful and accessible manner. The dispersal was carefully managed to ensure that the pieces remained in settings that honored their historical importance. Each location provides a unique opportunity for people to reflect on the events surrounding the fall of the Berlin Wall and the triumph of freedom.
What became of the 9/11 Gallery artifacts from the Newseum?
Artifacts from the Newseum’s 9/11 Gallery, which commemorated the victims and documented the media coverage of the tragic event, were primarily transferred to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City. This transfer ensured that these poignant and historically significant items would be preserved and contextualized within the larger narrative of the 9/11 attacks.
The National September 11 Memorial & Museum is the most appropriate location for these items, as it serves as the nation’s official memorial to the victims and offers a comprehensive account of the events of that day. The transfer allows for a deeper understanding of the media’s role in covering the attacks and the lasting impact on journalism and society. The artifacts help to tell the story of resilience and remembrance.
Are any Newseum artifacts accessible to the public outside of major museums?
Yes, some Newseum artifacts have been placed in smaller museums, historical societies, and even educational institutions across the country. This dispersal strategy aimed to broaden the reach of the collection and provide opportunities for communities to engage with these historical items on a more local level.
These smaller venues often present these artifacts within the context of regional history or journalism, making them particularly relevant to local audiences. The accessibility of these items in various locations allows for a wider understanding of the role of journalism in shaping local and national narratives. This approach ensures that the legacy of the Newseum continues to inspire and educate in diverse settings.
What happened to the Newseum’s collection of historic newspapers?
The Newseum’s extensive collection of historic newspapers, a valuable resource for researchers and historians, was carefully curated and transferred to various institutions specializing in archival preservation and accessibility. Many significant newspapers were donated to university libraries and historical societies.
These institutions are well-equipped to manage the delicate preservation needs of these fragile documents and provide access to them for research purposes. The digitized versions of newspapers are also accessible online, ensuring a wider audience can explore the history of journalism and the evolution of news reporting over time. This approach ensures that the collection remains a valuable resource for future generations.
How did the Newseum ensure the proper care and preservation of its artifacts after closing?
The Newseum collaborated with leading museum professionals and conservators to develop a detailed plan for the deaccessioning and transfer of its collection. This plan included careful documentation, condition assessments, and specific handling guidelines for each item to ensure its safety during the relocation process.
The chosen recipient institutions were carefully vetted to ensure they possessed the resources and expertise necessary to provide long-term care and preservation. Agreements were made to ensure that the items would be properly stored, exhibited, and made accessible to the public in accordance with professional museum standards. This commitment to responsible stewardship underscored the Newseum’s dedication to preserving its legacy.
Was any part of the Newseum’s collection sold to private collectors?
While the majority of the Newseum’s collection was transferred to museums, historical societies, and educational institutions, some items, particularly duplicates or those less directly related to journalism, were sold to private collectors. This was done in accordance with ethical guidelines and museum best practices for deaccessioning.
The revenue generated from these sales helped to support the costs associated with the transfer and preservation of the remaining collection. Any sale to a private collector was done with the understanding that the item would be treated with respect and, ideally, displayed in a way that would allow for public access or educational use, although this was not always a requirement. This approach ensured the responsible management of assets.