That Belongs in a Museum! Suitcase Stories

Every object has a story. And if it’s a cherished object that invokes our cultural identity, the story is even more salient. It jogs our memory, reminds us of close relationships, takes us back in time and place. But these objects rely on us to tell their story. The premise of That Belongs in a Museum is simple: bring an object that speaks to your cultural identity or migration experience, share the story behind it with our audience, and tell why it belongs in a museum- real or imaginary. An earring passed down by grandma, a faded map, a family heirloom, a keepsake (think Saris, Glücksbringer, a snippet of a Persian carpet, monogrammed chopsticks, prayer flags etc.) We will curate our own little exhibition of everyday objects from everyday people, right on stage!

So look around the house, the storage closet, under the bed, and inside the treasure chest to find the object that speaks to your cultural heritage. You will have 5 minutes on stage and convince the audience that it belongs in a museum. Join the other tellers who will share their funny, emotional, and poignant stories of the objects close to their heart.

Here’s what you should say:

• What you brought, even if it is obvious.
• Why you think it is neat.
• If you could summon a genie to put it in a museum–any museum–even if you had to make a new kind of museum for it to go in, what that would be.

That Belongs in a Museum is brought to you by collaboration between Dank Haus, The Abrahamic Center for Cultural Education (ACCE), and the National Indo-American Museum (NIAM). This trio of cultural institutions has come together with the support of the Chicago Cultural Alliance to celebrate the Journey Chicago festival.

Your $5 ticket includes light refreshments and drinks. Please bring objects that will fit through the door and, ideally, you can hold it in your hand. No hazardous or illegal materials. We will choose 10 storytellers on a first come first served basis.