In this important new book, based on a conference held by the National Museum of Denmark, international museum professionals deal with the key issues affecting all history museums, using as the basis for their insights the interpretation by museums of World War II.

Among the many key issues the contributors address are:
* How best can abstractions like cause, effect and other ideas be interpreted through objects?
* Just how is the role of objects within museums changing?
* How should we respond when increasingly visitors no longer accept the curator's choice of objects and their interpretation?
* How can museums deal effectively with controversial historical issues?

These essays explore how history museums can help explain and interpret the thinking of past generations, as well as their material culture.