Passing the Baton

Abstract

With great enthusiasm, I am pleased to announce that Wiley has appointed two distinguished museum scholars as my successors in the role of Editors-in-Chief of this journal. Dr. Theano Moussouri of University College London and Dr. Laura-Edythe Coleman of Drexel University, both of whom have served as Associate Editors for many years, will be stepping into this role. Dr. Moussouri joined the journal as Books Editor in the early 2000s and has been a steadfast presence through many of the changes made to support our readers. Together, their experience ensures continuity as the journal navigates the challenges of the coming decade. I invite everyone to warmly welcome them into their new roles.

A journal's identity is shaped not solely by its editorial leadership but by its authors' willingness to engage with constructive critique. Editors provide a compassionate framework for criticism, guiding authors to strengthen their work and withstand external scrutiny. Drs. Moussouri and Coleman possess these qualities, and I am confident in their ability to uphold the journal's standards as I pass the baton.

As I conclude my tenure as Editor-in-Chief, I reflect on the journal's storied past, shaped by my immediate predecessors Zahava Doering (2000s–2010s) and Sam Taylor (1990s–2000s). Founded in the 1950s by curators at the American Museum of Natural History, the journal was created to meet a critical need: establishing a scholarly publication for museum studies that could match the rigor of journals where museum researchers published their disciplinary work in art, anthropology, and natural history. Its early trajectory mirrored the post-war optimism of the United States, where the museum field was expanding rapidly, in contrast to Europe, where museums were still recovering and rebuilding. This foundation underscored the academic significance of museum studies across both the humanities and sciences. However, much of the initial content reflected a distinctly American perspective, often favoring a descriptive, “show-and-tell” approach.

By the late 1990s, the journal transitioned under new leadership to the California Academy of Sciences, where my predecessor, Dr. Zahava Doering, assumed the Editorship. During this period, I joined as an Associate Editor, tasked with identifying a new publisher and shaping a more global vision for the journal. This journey led to Wiley, initially as our publisher and, since 2015, as the journal's commercial owner. Together, we have evolved into a platform for global scholarship in museum studies.

Since joining the Wiley family, the journal has expanded its reach, developed a global editorial board reflective of its diverse readership, and embraced innovation in accessibility. Notable achievements include the adoption of screen reader-ready Alternative Text (AltText), the experiments with fellowship grant programs for new authors, and the launch of a translations initiative to support non-English research.

We've also spearheaded special issues tackling groundbreaking and contentious topics. These include Ivory and the Ivory Embargo, Modern Heritage of Africa (MoHoA), Modern Heritage of the Anthropocene (MoHoA2), a special issue called Sonic that focused on the sound environment in museums, and the thought-provoking Notorious issue on controversial historical artifacts. Most recently, the special issue Incarceration was guest-edited by our incoming Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Moussouri, in collaboration with editorial board members worldwide.

During my tenure, Wiley has sought new ways to innovate across its publishing portfolio. Last July, they launched a new review platform designed to streamline editorial processes and enhance communication for authors and reviewers. Once fully implemented, this cleaner, more intuitive interface promises to improve efficiency as users become familiar with it.

Finally, I extend my deepest thanks to the Editorial Team, the Editorial Board, and all reviewers whose efforts have continually elevated the journal's quality. The consistent 25% growth in our index ranking over the years is a shared achievement, made possible by the dedication of reviewers, authors, board members, and staff alike. It has been a privilege to serve as Editor-in-Chief, and I eagerly anticipate the journal's continued growth under the capable leadership of Laura-Edythe and Theano.