Constructions of Authenticity at Scottish Historic House Museums

Abstract

This study investigates how authenticity is perceived and negotiated by curators at a selection of Scottish historic house museums (HHMs). Many HHMs are preserved so as to recreate the dwellings of remarkable historical personalities, thus showcasing a unique blend of period artifacts, replicas, and original objects once in the possession of their inhabitants. Focusing on three different case studies, this research investigates how these authentic museum objects are displayed to and interpreted for the public; how relevant their authenticity is from a curatorial perspective; what are the factors influencing curatorial perceptions of authenticity; and how (or, if) HHMs help visitors negotiating the inauthenticity of replicas and period objects displayed onsite. While most studies have examined constructions of authenticity at tourism sites and in terms of their impact on consumers’ behavior, this work aims to shed light on how museum professionals conceive of authenticity within the under-researched context of HHMs, by discussing the outcomes of interviews with curators at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and Cottage (Alloway), Broughton House (Kirkcudbright), and Ellisland Farm (Auldgirth).