There are many other social justice movements, like women's suffrage, civil rights, etc., and various labor movements have museums--or sections of museums--dedicated to those causes, but there has never been any museum that focuses on animals and animal rights.
Beyond animal rights, the museum focuses on events where animals and society intersect through the arts, humanities, science, and humane education.
Current Exhibits at Animals & Society
Light in Dark Places was their first exhibit this summer. (The exhibit is open one final weekend, closing on August 3.) The show, curated by writer and animal advocate Julia Orr, traces the history of the Anti-Vivisection movement from Victorian England to modern day. The Anti-Vivisection Society was originally created to end various types of medical testing on animals. Experimenting on animals has been done through the ages, and pre-dated any type of anesthesia for humans or animals. The extent of inhumane treatment knew no bounds. Today Anti-Vivisection Societies still exist in this country and worldwide to fight to end animal testing done by medical and cosmetic groups.
The exhibit documented the involvement of notables such as Mark Twain and George Bernard Shaw, both of whom used their influence to stand up for this cause. Caroline Earle White (1833-1916) is among the many women who are highlighted. Ms. White was the founder of the first animal shelter in the United States.
The next exhibit is Dog, Cat, Mouse, which features work by three California artists showing the art they have produced featuring dogs, cats, and a rodent. A percentage of the proceeds of any art sold will be donated to the SPCA of Los Angeles. The opening reception will be on August 9 at 7 p.m.
Other Exhibits of Interest
The museum sends representatives into schools and they host field trips on site for parents, teachers, and educators. Be Kind: A Visual History of Humane Education 1880-1945 is a popular program; there is also a pop-up exhibit on this subject that can be sent out on loan.
My Dog is my Home was among the early exhibits at the Museum of Animals and Society and also exists as a traveling show. It tells the story of homeless people and their animal companions and the very important bond between them.
There was another exhibit titled Uncooped. This exhibit explored the origins of and the cultural attitudes towards one of the most common--yet most often overlooked--of all domesticated animals: the chicken. For this exhibit, the museum hosted a chicken adoption event and found homes for 93 rescue hens.
Enriching the Lives of Both Animals and People
The goals of the museum also include enriching lives of animals and people. A year ago they coordinated the largest service fair on Skid Row for people and their companion animals. The animals received free grooming, veterinary care, food, and supplies. Food and supplies were donated and made available for the people as well.