Based on observations and experiences as a volunteer with 9/11 artefacts and research conducted at various museums and memorials related to historic events involving tragedy, this presentation will describe how these spaces serve as a resource for healing and public death education.The motives of individuals who volunteer in these spaces will be explored, potential benefits of their participation will be identified, and challenges inherent in the creation and maintenance of these healing spaces will be discussed.
Carla Sofka, PhD, MSW, is a Professor of Social Work at Siena College in Loudonville, NY (USA). As a result of volunteer work at the NYS Museum with 9/11 artefacts and subsequent research at various museum in the US and several other countries, she has studied how museums and memorials related to tragedy serve as healing spaces and sites for public death education. Her thanatology-related research and writing has focused on digital immortality and the role of thanatechnology (all types of technology, including digital and social media) in coping with illness, death/dying, and grief, including survivor advocacy.
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