How Is the Mutter Museum Changing Its Display Policies for Human Remains?

The Mutter Museum in Philadelphia has recently updated its policies regarding the collection and display of human remains, reflecting a commitment to modern medical ethical standards. The museum, which houses around 6,500 specimens, is now limiting the acceptance of new remains and controlling the use of photography, while also aiming to contextualise its exhibits with the personal histories of the individuals represented.

Last updated: 05 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• The Mutter Museum is reducing the acceptance of new human remains and enhancing ethical practices.
• Photography of human remains is restricted and requires museum permission.
• The museum aims to "de-anonymize" its collection, exploring the personal histories of the specimens.
• Past collection methods may have involved unethical practices, prompting the museum's policy changes.
• Future acquisitions will be limited and may only include remains from living donors or bequests.

Background of the Mutter Museum

The Mutter Museum, part of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, was established in 1859 with the vision of enhancing medical education. Originally, it was the personal collection of Dr. Thomas Dent Mutter, a surgeon who donated 1,700 medical objects and funds to create a dedicated space for these educational resources. Today, the museum boasts over 35,000 items, including a vast array of human anatomical specimens.

Recent Policy Changes

This week, the museum announced significant changes in its policies concerning human remains, prompted by a two-year review aimed at aligning with evolving ethical standards in the medical field. The most notable changes include:

• Restrictions on Photography: Public photography of human remains will no longer be allowed; however, educational photography may be permitted with prior approval.
• Limiting Acquisitions: The museum plans to sharply limit future acquisitions of human remains, considering only those from living donors or through bequests.
• De-anonymising Specimens: Efforts will be made to uncover the identities and personal stories of the specimens to provide context in exhibits, moving away from the anonymity that has characterised much of the collection's history.

Ethical Considerations in Collection Practices

Many of the remains in the Mutter Museum's collection were acquired between 1840 and 1940, a period when the collection of anatomical specimens was commonplace among medical societies. However, the methods used during this time often involved unethical practices, including coercion and lack of consent.

As part of its new policy, the museum acknowledges that many remains were "obtained in unacceptable circumstances." This admission highlights the need for museums to reflect on their collections and the histories behind them, particularly in relation to issues like scientific racism. The museum estimates that around 50 specimens belong to Native American individuals, and, since April 2024, it has begun the process of repatriating remains to tribal groups.

Future Direction and Community Engagement

The Mutter Museum's updated policies are designed not only to adhere to ethical standards but also to engage the community in a meaningful way. The museum plans to involve the public in discussions regarding the future of its collections and educational initiatives.

As part of this effort, hundreds of educational videos that were removed from YouTube in January 2023 are being restored, now reorganised to provide relevant and up-to-date information. This move underscores the museum's commitment to transparency and education, allowing visitors to learn about the collection's context and the lives of the individuals represented.

The Importance of Context in Displaying Human Remains

The museum's director of interpretation and engagement, Sara Ray, emphasised the importance of framing exhibits within the context of medical history and bodily diversity. The goal is to present human remains not merely as scientific specimens but as individuals who lived and experienced the world in unique ways.

Ray stated, "The goal is not finding an identity for finding an identity’s sake, but to build a richer biographical profile." This approach aims to foster a deeper understanding of the lives of those represented in the museum's collection, encouraging visitors to reflect on the ethical implications of their display.

Visitor Perspectives and Community Reactions

Visitors to the museum have expressed appreciation for the initiatives aimed at educating the public about the histories of the individuals whose remains are on display. Ashley Davis, a 47-year-old visitor, commented on the importance of understanding the origins of these specimens, stating, "These were human beings." This sentiment reflects a growing recognition of the ethical responsibilities museums have in handling human remains.

Conclusion: Looking Ahead

The Mutter Museum's recent policy changes represent a significant step towards aligning its practices with contemporary ethical standards in medicine and museum curation. By limiting future acquisitions and focusing on the personal histories of its specimens, the museum aims to educate the public while honouring the lives of those represented in its collection. As the museum continues to evolve, it raises important questions about how society views and treats human remains in educational and historical contexts.

How might other museums follow suit in re-evaluating their practices regarding human remains? The conversation surrounding ethics in museum collections is ongoing and increasingly relevant. #EthicsInMuseums #HumanRemains #MedicalHistory

FAQs

What is the Mutter Museum?

The Mutter Museum is a medical museum in Philadelphia that houses a collection of medical specimens, including human remains, aimed at educating the public about anatomy and medical history.

What recent changes have been made to the museum's policies?

The Mutter Museum has restricted the acceptance of new human remains, limited photography of human remains, and is working to uncover the personal histories of its specimens in line with modern ethical standards.

Why is the museum focusing on the personal histories of its specimens?

The museum seeks to provide context for the human remains it displays, recognising them as individuals with lives and stories, rather than merely scientific specimens.

What does "de-anonymising" specimens mean?

"De-anonymising" refers to the museum's efforts to uncover the identities and personal stories of the human remains in its collection, allowing for a richer understanding of their backgrounds.

What are the ethical concerns related to the collection of human remains?

Many human remains in museum collections were obtained under questionable circumstances, including without consent or through coercive means, raising concerns about the ethical implications of their display and study.