That Belongs in a Museum: Suitcase Stories

Wednesday, October 12th, 7-8:30 PM

Every object has a story. It can jog our memory, remind us of close relationships, take us back in time and place, and/or invoke our cultural identity. But objects rely on us to tell their story. The premise of That Belongs in a Museum: Suitcase Stories is simple: bring an object that speaks to your cultural identity or migration experience, take the mic and share its story, then tell which museum—real or imaginary—where it belongs. An earring passed down by grandma, a faded map, a family heirloom, a keepsake (think Saris, Glücksbringer, a remnant of a Persian carpet, monogrammed chopsticks, prayer flags, etc.)

So look around the house, in the closet, under the bed, and inside the treasure chest to find the object that longs to speak of your cultural heritage for five minutes on stage.

Here’s what you should say:

• What you brought, even if it is obvious.

• What story does the object tell?

• In which museum—any museum—even if you have to invent a new museum, does this object belong?

That Belongs in a Museum: Suitcase Stories is a collaboration between DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, the Abrahamic Center for Cultural Education (ACCE), and the National Indo-American Museum (NIAM) as part of the Chicago Cultural Alliance’s Journey Chicago festival.

Please bring objects that will fit through the door and, ideally, you can hold in your hand. No hazardous or illegal materials. The order of storytellers will be chosen at random.

Your $5 ticket includes light refreshments and soft drinks. Tickets will also be sold at the door, if capacity allows.

Purchase Tickets

Location and transportation

This event will be on the 6th floor of the DANK Haus - stairs and elevator are available. Wheelchair accessible bathrooms will be available in the 1st floor gallery.

We recommend guests come by CTA . The DANK Haus is at the corner of Western and Lawrence, each with bus routes that stop at that intersection. It is one block north of the Western stop on the Brown Line.

If you are driving, you may park for free after 6pm at Fifth Third Bank (4800 N. Western Ave, half a block north of the DANK Haus). No permit is required or available for this parking arrangement. This arrangement is only valid for special events outside of the bank's open hours.

Questions?

Email:

• National Indo-American Museum - tamara@niam.org
• Abrahamic Center for Cultural Education - info@abrahamiccenter.org
• DANK Haus - rosa@dankhaus.com