This book analyzes the relationship between museums and familieshow they view one another, how museums can facilitate free-choice learning in families, and how both together can serve as
powerful allies to enact social and community change. Leading museum researcher Lynn Dierking identifies the family as a learning institution and details the implications for programming and
exhibits in history, art, science, children's museums and other cultural institutions. In describing museums with excellent family programs, she provides exemplars for other museums to
improve family learning within their institution.