At a time when political unrest around the world may be based on “fake news”, we look at the role of museums in addressing this issue when, at times, our own collections and interpretations are in question.

Attempts have often been made to attract attention by using various strategies to adorn the fake in the trappings of authenticity. Wherever truth matters, fakes abound, and history is distorted. The creation, distortion, manipulation, or reconstruction of objects and their cultural and historical information shapes and challenges our identity and experience of the world.

Provenance, the ownership history of an artifact or work of art, is considered standard for determining the authenticity and legal status of the object. However, provenance is often set aside, or a fluid definition of provenance is adopted when the object is part of the commercial market, when its supposed biography is compelling, or it fits a desired narrative rather than a historical truth. Our view of the world and our desire to present them as we believe them to be is reflected in the work of memorials and museums.

Fakes and False Histories will explore the use of objects, visuals and texts in the dissemination of misinformation, construction of stereotypes, and distorted histories. While fakes and objects without a verifiable provenance are often used in this way, instances of such misuse of authentic artifacts cannot be ignored. In addition, the symposium, Fakes and False Histories, aims to raise awareness of falsified representations and interpretations of historical events and developments for all of us.

ICMEMOHRI Symposium - Fakes and False Histories