DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
The International Council of Museums recently redefined what a ”museum” is…
“A museum is a not-for-profit, permanent institution in the service of society that researches, collects, conserves, interprets and exhibits tangible and intangible heritage. Open to the public, accessible and inclusive, museums foster diversity and sustainability. They operate and communicate ethically, professionally and with the participation of communities, offering varied experiences for education, enjoyment, reflection and knowledge sharing.”
This is a shared philosophy from museums around the world and Houston is one of the most international cities in the United States. We are striving to reflect this global definition.
OUR DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT
The Heritage Society strives to advance diversity and inclusion both within the Museum’s offerings and more broadly in society. Our effort to promote diversity and inclusion more broadly focuses on educational opportunities, programs, events, and cultural celebrations that represent communities in Houston.
By diversity, we mean racial background, country of origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, language, socio-economic status, and the full range of other factors that shape an individual’s experiences, values, and perspectives.
By inclusion, we mean the ongoing and deliberate effort to ensure that differences are welcomed, different perspectives are heard, individuals and groups feel respected and valued.
The Heritage Society is committed to understanding, analyzing, and targeting the populations to better represent Houston. Below are some of the more recent events and offerings we have added to boost diversity and inclusion.