necessarily, but that we ought to be more flexible regarding the external forms
and traditions in our church.”
Following are summaries of the three presentations:
Glencairn Museum
Brian D. Henderson
When John Pitcairn and the Rev. William H. Benade
set off for Europe, Egypt and the Holy Land in 1877
these were not two dilettantes indulging a whim by
embarking on a “Grand Tour.” They were on a mission
to spread news about the Academy of
the New Church across Europe, and
to see for themselves the land of the
Bible. By the time they returned to
Philadelphia they had purchased more
than 1,000 artifacts from the ancient
world, an impressive beginning for the
Academy’s museum.
This was part of the story Director
Brian Henderson told of how that
dream has transformed this museum
through the years from an almost
forgotten presence on the fourth floor
of the Old Library on the Academy
campus to world-class status in
Glencairn Museum.
Brian divided his presentation into
four topics:
1. History and Context: Why
museums matter; why the
Academy established a museum;
and why Glencairn Museum is
relevant in the world
2. Educational Programs: How
Glencairn Museum enriches
student learning
3. Public Programs: How the
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Glencairn Museum
exists to educate a
diverse audience
about the history of
religion, using art and
artifacts from a variety
of cultures and time
periods. We seek to build
understanding between
people of all beliefs
through an appreciation
of common spiritual
history and values.
The Museum’s special
focus is to preserve
and interpret the art,
culture and history
of the New Church.