Commerce, Culture, and Heritage : Souvenirs as Communicators of History in the Museum Shop

ABSTRACT

In heritage sites and museums, souvenir shops are of considerable commercial importance;furthermore, they add to the overall experience of visitors. This contribution explores the narrative quality of some souvenirs that seek to reflect a country’s history and heritage. Three examples will serve as case studies (1) souvenirs depicting the Berlin Wall (Germany)—moving from a historical event toward wider-reaching generic ideas, such as freedom;(2) souvenirs commemorating the First World War and their role in the context of the War’s centenary (England);and (3) souvenirs that reflect aspects of dark tourism (various locations). In each case, the narrative attached to the items for sale potentially removes them from the experience of the exhibition. As such, souvenirs in the shop offer an experience in their own right, but they do not necessarily echo the culture, heritage, or history of a region or a country.