Nation, Race, and Affect: Senses and Sensibilities at National Heritage Sites

Heritage sites, such as the British Museum and the English Lake District, play a significant role in shaping national identity through both symbolic representation and affective experiences. This study reveals that these emotional connections are often racialized, with diasporic communities' feelings toward museum collections contrasting sharply with the perceived exclusivity of rural heritage sites like the Lake District. The research argues that fostering civic inclusion requires addressing not only institutional openness but also the underlying fears and exclusions felt by diverse groups. By analyzing two canonical sites—one urban (the British Museum) and one rural (the Lake District)—the study demonstrates how heritage sensibilities are deeply intertwined with national narratives, yet also highlight racialized dimensions that complicate civic belonging.

Crang, M., & Tolia-Kelly, D. P. (2010). Nation, Race, and Affect: Senses and Sensibilities at National Heritage Sites. Environment and Planning A: Economy and Space, 42(10), 2315–2331. https://doi.org/10.1068/a4346