The Connecticut Museum of Culture and History is committed to making services inclusive, accessible, and equitable for all users. The Connecticut Museum’s collection consists of a diverse array of objects, textiles, furniture, manuscripts, books, photographs, maps, and other historic items from different communities and time periods across Connecticut and New England. Additionally, many communities have historically been marginalized, underrepresented, and misrepresented in the archives. Some materials in the collection may contain outdated terminology or offensive language that diminishes or demeans the humanity of the people represented. Examples may include descriptions of violence or injustice as well as viewpoints that are racist, sexist, ableist, or otherwise insensitive, which may make some of the collection difficult to interact with or view. The Museum does not condone any harmful language, content, or ideas that are present in the collection.
The Museum advocates for transparency in transcriptions of our collections and will maintain original language rather than redacting or censoring harmful language or content. Offering transcriptions that retain the original language, and information ensures historical accuracy and authenticity.
While the original contents of collections and transcriptions are not being changed, altered, or redacted, updates are being made to collection descriptions. The Museum acknowledges that existing language used in some catalog descriptions may also be outdated, offensive, and harmful. Cataloging staff does not reflect every community described, however, the Museum recognizes the responsibility to describe collections, their creators, and the communities respectfully, accurately, and with care. The Museum is committed to using inclusive, anti-racist, non-derogatory language when creating catalog records and finding aids for collections.
The Museum is dedicated to presenting a more accurate history by correcting these cataloging errors and is committed to a process of constant reflection and improvement. The Museum encourages users to contact staff if harmful or offensive language is discovered in catalogs, finding aids, or digital collections. Staff will suggest and/or make revisions or additions upon review as appropriate; this is an ongoing and thoughtful process.
This statement was developed by the Connecticut Museum staff and is based on similar statements and efforts by other institutions committed to reparative work from The Cataloging Lab’s List of Statements on Bias in Library and Archives Description. Created 2024, updated 2025.