The Bomb in the Museum: Nuclear Technology and the Human Element

Nuclear museums in the U.S., particularly those funded by the Department of Energy, face a significant challenge: balancing the celebration of nuclear technology's civilian benefits with the acknowledgement of its devastating military applications. This study reveals that curating such narratives is fraught with contradictions, especially in the post-9/11 era where national security imperatives shape public perceptions. A comparison with the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum underscores that exhibiting 'nuclear victory' is more problematic than depicting nuclear victimhood. The research approach involves analyzing how these museums navigate this duality, reflecting on the complex legacy of American nuclearism and its global impact.

Gerster, R. (2015). The Bomb in the Museum: Nuclear Technology and the Human Element. Museum & Society, 11(3), 207–218. https://doi.org/10.29311/mas.v11i3.235