Heritage, popular culture and identity: The experience of adult visitors at the Museu do Sertão in Petrolina

Abstract

Regional museums play a role of interpreters of a region by preserving and disseminating the culture and realities of a place through their collections. In this study, we investigated the conversations and interactions of five groups of adult visitors in the context of a regional museum, the Museu do Sertão, located in the city of Petrolina (Pernambuco - Brazil). Data were collected through a questionnaire to outline the sociocultural profile of the participants and audiovisual record of the visit with subjective cameras used by the visitors. The results showed that the participants established a connection with the collection, which was verified through the recognition of elements of the “sertanejo” culture, the mobilization of affections and identification on a personal level. Mediation actions were of great importance, as they promoted dialogue on scientific topics in conjunction with the local context, cultures and the diverse possibilities of visitors' identities. The study enabled reflections on elements of popular culture, heritage and identities in regional contexts.