Remodeling Gives USU Museum of Anthropology New Dazzle
USU's Museum of Anthropology has been refurbished and a reopening reception is Thursday, April 26, at 4:30 p.m.
The Utah State University Museum of Anthropology has experienced a dynamic makeover this spring, and museum personnel invite the public to share in its grand reopening Thursday, April 26, at 4:30 p.m. in Old Main 252. Parking is available in the Terrace parking garage, and museum staff will validate permits. After 5 p.m. parking is free in the A-6 lot south of Old Main.
The museum makeover features new room and case lighting funded by two grants from the Office of Museum Services in Salt Lake City, fresh paint and new carpet courtesy of USU and exhibit improvements funded through a generous donation by long-time museum supporters Richard and Joyce Shipley.
Talented USU undergraduate and graduate students conceived and implement the exhibit transformations.
“We are so grateful to all of these agencies and donors, and to the many folks who shared their skill and time to help us add new pizzazz to our space and exhibits,” said Museum Director Bonnie Pitblado.
Since early January, students from Pitblado’s “Introduction to Museum Studies” class researched and redesigned the exhibits.
“The students in Dr. Pitblado’s course attacked this semester-long project with enthusiasm and energy, and some have taken their exhibits in exciting new directions,” said museum coordinator Sara Lundberg.
“All the revamped exhibits provide new information and enhanced visual appeal,” said class member Julie Epperson. “The cases looked good before, but now they really pop.”
Thirteen total exhibits have been transformed, among them interpretations of the ancient city of Petra, the origins of writing, ancient Egyptian conceptions of the afterlife and rock art of the local region.
The museum’s mission is to teach the USU and Cache Valley communities about the field of anthropology: the study of all people, everywhere, through all time.
“Our new, hands-on elements will aid learning and help both kids and adults who visit the museum stay focused and entertained,” said undergraduate class participant and USU museum studies certificate-seeker Erika Blank. “I believe that our work will contribute to a positive experience for our visitors for a long time to come.”
Contact: Bonnie Pitblado, bpitblado@hass.usu.edu, 435-797-1496
Writer: Sara Skindelien
