Franklin Vagnone, renowned historian and “Historic House Anarchist”, is coming to Sydney for two days of public programs. The result of a partnership between Sydney Living Museums, the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences and Museums & Galleries of NSW, these programs allow heritage and museum staff and volunteers the opportunity to learn from one of America’s most influential public historians.

Vagnone, with a strong background in anthropology, the creative arts, architecture, design and sculpture, is a Public Historian who has been labelled a “domestic-archeo-anthropologist”. He has over 25 years of transformational leadership in non-profit management, financial oversight, fundraising, strategic planning, board relationships, award-winning cultural program and creative place-making development. His work experience includes a spectrum of organisations ranging from independent, private organisations to complex government-funded, private multiple-agreement stakeholders.

Keynote Address – 6pm Tuesday 11 October

For one night only Franklin Vagnone will present a keynote address— Anarchists Guide to House Museums—at the Museum of Sydney. As renowned “domestic-archeo-anthropologist” and co-author of the award winning Anarchists Guide to Historic House Museums Vagnone will share his research and experience in best (and worst) practice in innovation and engagement with historic cultural sites.

Tickets are available through Eventbrite: https://franklinvagnone.eventbrite.com

General $25
Concession $22
Sydney Living Museums and/or Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences Members $17

This keynote address is presented by Sydney Living Museums, Museums & Galleries of NSW and the Museum of Arts and Applied Sciences, and is supported by the City of Parramatta.

Historic House Workshop – Wednesday 12 October

Vagnone will also be hosting an Anarchists Guide Historic House Workshop at Elizabeth Farm. In this 2-hour, totally immersive workshop at Elizabeth Farm, Parramatta “Museum Anarchist” Franklin Vagnone will take House museum staff and volunteers through  a variety of tools and other forms of data collection, for a fun, tactile, workshop and discussion about historic site innovation.

This workshop is a great opportunity for heritage and museum staff and volunteers to develop and refresh their understanding of interpretation and audience engagement in the House Museum context. Further details of this workshop to be announced.

This event is presented by Sydney Living Museums, Museums & Galleries of NSW and the Museum of Arts and Applied Sciences, and is supported by the City of Parramatta.

For more information, please contact M&G NSW on 02 9252 8300 or pdc@mgnsw.org.au

To read more about Vagnone’s work and practice visit his blog Twisted Preservation