Museum Policy

BAILLIE HENDERSON HOSPITAL MENTAL HEALTH MUSEUM
INTERPRETATION POLICY

Document # mhm-2010-002

(Endorsed by the BHH Mental Health Museum Working Group on 10/6/2010.)

1. MUSEUM STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

To preserve and present the artefacts and stories of the patients and consumers of Baillie Henderson Hospital for the benefit of the local and wider community.

2. PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE INTERPRETATION POLICY

The content of this document will provide the principles and aims which will guide the planning for the collecting, maintenance, operation and development of the museum.

3. KEY TOPICS, THEMES AND STORIES

The museum will aim to collect materials and present stories with the following themes or subjects:
• Baillie Henderson Hospital from 1890 to the present day
• Baillie Henderson Hospital and grounds
• Medical, nursing and other staff of Baillie Henderson Hospital
• Patients and consumers of Baillie Henderson Hospital
• Government, administrative and medical staff concerned with Mental Health Services in Queensland as they have affected Baillie Henderson Hospital
• Planning, building and development of Baillie Henderson Hospital
• Significant modes of practice in mental health service from 1890 to the present day
• Significant events in the local history of Baillie Henderson Hospital
• Architectural heritage of Baillie Henderson Hospital site and buildings

4. TARGET AUDIENCE

The principal audience for the collection and display of the Museum will be:

• Members of the local community
• Former patients and current consumers of Baillie Henderson Hospital and their relatives, friends and families
• Former and current staff and others associated with Baillie Henderson Hospital
• Individuals and organisations interested in the history of mental health in Australia generally or of Baillie Henderson Hospital in particular

5. AIMS

The Museum aims to:
• Preserve significant artefacts and records associated with Baillie Henderson Hospital
• Engender a greater awareness and understanding of the experience of mental illness
• Combat stigma and misapprehension about the experience of mental illness
• Engender a pride in the work and achievements of the hospital, its staff, patients and consumers
• Foster support for the preservation of the architectural heritage and artefacts of the Hospital

6. INTERPRETATIVE MEDIA

The Museum will present its collection and stories by means of:
• Permanent exhibitions
• Temporary displays
• Guided tours
• Publications
• Online exhibitions and information
• Facilitation of research

7. IMPLEMENTATION APPROACH

• Displays, events or exhibitions must not impede the everyday functioning of Baillie Henderson Hospital, which is a working hospital
• Museum activities must not interfere with or impair the privacy or rights of consumers, staff or others associated with Baillie Henderson Hospital
• Museum activities must not detriment or damage the collection or the buildings in which it is housed
• The operation and activities of the Museum must accord with the Queensland Health Code of Conduct and be sanctioned by the CEO of the Darling Downs-West Moreton Health Service District or other appropriate responsible officer.

8. DATE FOR REVIEW

A review of this policy will commence not later than 3 years from the date of its endorsement.

9. DATE ENDORSED

Yet to be endorsed