The compound word “ecomuseum” is formed from the words “ecology” and “museum.”
This is characterized by that the realm of museum embraces human and cultural inheritance
including nature, ecology and industry, and that the whole community is composed
organically and its residents voluntarily participate in management. France is where
ecomuseum has emerged and was defined as terminology through experimental adventure.
George Henri Rivi?re, a French museologist, considered applying the concept of open air
museum ‘Skansen’ in Sweden, which was the world’s first history of folklore and
civilization outdoor museum opened in 1891, into France. Based on the idea that traditional
local houses, natural environment, and the entire community are also possibly merged into
the domain of museum, ecomuseum is a new concept of museum, which was coined by
a French museuologist Hugues de Varine with ecology and museum. This terminology was
developed and introduced at the 9th general assembly of International Council of Museums
in 1971.
Ecomuseum can be divided into five categories in terms of its purpose and main theme;
agricultural ecomuseum, industrial heritage ecomuseum, historical and cultural ecomuseum,
natural environment ecomuseum, and theme park ecomuseum. Creusot-montceau
ecomuseum belongs to industrial heritage ecomuseum. Industrial heritage ecomuseum
recovers antecedent industrial heritage and resources in the area, and is operated for
revitalization of communities. Making Schneider Family’s Ch?teau de la Verrerie as a core
museum which reflects the steel industry in Creusot, Creusot-montceau ecomuseum
provides self-esteem to the town’s residents connecting sites where mining has been
prominent, and presents the town’s history to visitors.
During Industrial Revolution, Creusot-montceau was situated in the center of various
industries such as glass, steel, mining, and bricks. Through labor and dedication, the
residents led their lives. After the end of the industrial age, the town’s economy began to
diminish, and young people left the town looking for jobs in cities. Heritage of the industrial
age including mines that no longer work is memory as injuries which indicate the region’s
decadence. However, giving discarded industrial heritage meanings and connecting the sites,
the residents themselves find a way of recovering from the ills in the region.
Due to its innovative move, Creusot-montceau ecomuseum draws the world’s attention
with laudatory of “the adventure of Creusot.” If they demolished the discarded remains
from the industrial age and denied collective memories with the region’s history, they
would hardly show achievements. Commemorating glory in the past, the souls of laborers
who was sacrificed for the region’s honor, and hopeless young people who left the town
because of economic depression refers to “heritage” among factors of ecomuseum. When
the residents themselves voluntarily strive against the town’s hardship, Creusot-montceau
undergoes procedure of recovery. Such recovery is realization of self-identity and
restoration of dignity. Innovation that saves the region is activities of museum which
develop networks among people, heritages, and people and heritages.