Graham Bowley

In Graham Bowley’s article “In an Era of Strife, Museums Collect History as It Happens” he describes the journey of Aaron Bryant, a curator for the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Bowley explains why Bryant believes collecting is crucial in the preservation of black history. Throughout the article, Bowley is effective in showing the importance of collecting history as it is presented through delivery, style, and ethos. The article highlights the work of Bryant and his colleagues by delivering images of relics they accumulated over the years. Powerful photographs of a gas mask, coffins, apparel, and posters signify the protests that occur around the nation. Each item has significance to America’s most recent history. Eric Garner, victim of police brutality, is a symbol used by many protestors to raise awareness in the Black Lives Matter movement. Garner’s face is on a shirt, designed by Ocean Gao, in the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Bryant admits that not all articles may not have immediate historical significance, but after sorting materials that were subject to “rapid response collecting,” museums are able to display items that will make an impact on their patrons. Icons used in the
With The Times as Bowley’s publisher, his word is held at a higher, more reputable standard than if he was to write for a lesser newspaper. Bowley has a great authority as the writer of this article. He presents a researched case with an official in the museum field, Aaron Bryant, as his informant. The credibility of a writer from NYT and a museum curator of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture is secure. The ethos of Bowley’s article assists the audience to realize the benefit of collecting items of current affairs as preservation helps uphold their