Anthropology museum gains prestigious award

Thanks to the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services, Utah State University’s Museum of Anthropology will enhance its outreach to the Cache Valley and Utah State University communities, announced museum Director Bonnie Pitblado.

IMLS has awarded the Museum of Anthropology a grant to cover the expense of bringing two professional assessors to campus to evaluate the way the museum serves and communicates with its visitors. A thorough evaluation of the museum’s exhibits, programs and outreach efforts will be conducted, after which the assessors will help the Museum of Anthropology staff develop a plan to improve in these and other arenas.

“The Institute of Museum and Library Services supports America’s museums and libraries to ensure a lifetime of learning critical to a thriving, democratic society,” said Director Robert Martin. “The Museum Assessment Program grant we make today will help museums strengthen professional practices and educational services that will benefit communities all across the country.”

Pitblado agreed.

“The museum’s mission has always been to educate both Utah State students and members of the Cache Valley community about the field of anthropology – the study of all people, everywhere, through all time.”

She said she is delighted that the museum will learn new strategies for doing this.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services has awarded $439,275 in Museum Assessment Program grants to 160 museums across the country. MAP is a cooperative program between the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the American Association of Museums designed to help museums assess their strengths and weaknesses and plot a course for future improvements. IMLS provides grants to museums to participate in MAP, which is administered by AAM.

           Utah State’s Museum of Anthropology is in Old Main, room 252. Summer hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tours can be scheduled by calling (435) 797-7545. Community members interested in volunteering at the museum are invited to call the same number.