Critique I: Historic Houses reflect social and political propaganda
The story of the Maytag Company is relatively unbiased in the sense that it includes the role of women in the company's history. Of course, the story is mainly told from the perspective of Newton natives, who see the company in a positive light for helping foster their community. There is a focus on the positive effects of the Maytag company, and maybe to be more judicial, the impact on the environment could be further examined.
Critique II: Historic Houses have nothing relevant to contribute to conversations
Maytag is hugely relevant to the history of Newton, Iowa and it maintains its relevance in feminist theory and history. If turned into a historic house museum, it would be important for the museum to make itself relevant to Newton today. Perhaps there could be local events held there, talks specifically related to technology or feminist theory, or after school programs.
Critique III: Historic House Museums are boring
The best way to make historic house museums engaging is to make them relevant to the community. The impact of the Maytag Company on Newton is apparent, and community members are already engaged with the history of the company. To make it more engaging, we've chosen to focus on the positive impact that the company had on the community and on the world as opposed to the sadness and turmoil that resulted in the removal of the company in Newton.
Critique IV: Historic House Museums have been narrowly curated
By incorporating the impact of the company on people from the community, the effect of the washing machine on the liberation of women, and by providing a community space, the Maytag historic house museum would cater to a wide range of interests and historical perspectives.
Critique V: Historic House Museums are too expensive to preserve, and they engage in deceptive conservation practices.
Since the Maytag Historic House Museum is not yet in existence, we can be sure to be transparent with our conservation practices once it is a museum. Currently, one of the buildings is being used by DMACC, and this is one way to effectively preserve buildings, by using them.