The Cold War in Museums: Toolkit for Professionals and Volunteers

The Cold War is an important and evolving topic. As we move further away from the end of the conflict, we are learning more about what connects us with the period. Official archival histories are declassified, oral testimonies are captured, and evidence is brought to *light that illuminates and magnifies the relevance of the Cold War today.

There is a particular challenge for museums in conveying this complex history in a way which is understandable for a range of visitors. Research surrounding Cold War heritage has mostly focused on existing Cold War sites and their physical remains. However, if we look closely within our museum collections, there may be Cold War objects and stories waiting to be discovered.

The way in which we conceive Cold War heritage in museum settings is itself an act of heritage construction. Considering the parameters of the Cold War – whether as a category, a memory or a popular perception – is a significant act of interpretation and engagement. As public-facing organisations, museums have a duty to educate and inform their audiences using the collections and expertise available to them. Museums are leaders in the shaping of heritage, not qjust the representation of it. Making sure that the Cold War is a topic for museum audiences and professionals will ensure that this heritage is not lost.

This toolkit is an informative guide for museum and heritage professionals on how to approach or enhance collecting, interpreting, and displaying Cold War history. We offer practical advice based on experiences shared by those who have worked closely with Cold War collections in a range of situations.