Paper Short Abstract:

The paper will explore the dynamics of the complex relationship between seniors and open-air museums, including how the active presence of seniors helps raise their status in society. We shall also look at the ambivalent picture of seniors as knowledgeable and respected partners on the one hand and people whose presence may be felt as a burden, as it sometimes complicates museum operations on the other.

Paper Abstract:

In museums, people of all age categories have their place and role, some multiple. In the specific environment of open-air museums, most roles seem to be played by seniors. Firstly, being retired, they spend their time here as visitors, often coming with their grandchildren and being their guides and interpreters of stories presented. Secondly, many staff members decide to postpone their retirement and remain in their positions longer, transmitting experience to younger generations of museum experts. In some professions, like traditional crafts, it is very difficult or even impossible nowadays to replace seniors with young professionals who are unavailable in the labour market or unwilling to work for relatively low museum salaries. Open-air museums also rely on seniors when it comes to live interpretation. They can transmit their memories and real-life experiences that are not available to young generations anymore. Fourthly, seniors become invaluable assets as volunteers, with their skills related to older technologies and knowledge that are not used in contemporary life anymore. For museums, these are indispensable. And finally, they are key resources for museum research.

The paper will explore the dynamics of the complex relationship between seniors and open-air museums, including how the active presence of seniors helps raise their status in society. We shall also look at the ambivalent picture of seniors as knowledgeable and respected partners on the one hand and people whose presence may be felt as a burden, as it sometimes complicates museum operations on the other.