We engage our museum visitors by refreshing our exhibits frequently and creating new exhibits once or twice a year. Our exhibition conceptually links themes from anthropology through material culture. We emphasize continuity between exhibits and promote appreciation of cultures and a deeper understanding of cultural processes.
The Museum formally opened to the public in January 1984 and in 1992 moved to its present location in the south turret of Old Main. Renovations in the mid-1990s yielded a larger exhibit gallery, a small curation room, protective exhibit lighting, and humidity control to promote better long-term care of museum objects. The Museum closed for renovations in 1995 – 1997, during which time faculty and students created 16 new exhibits that were unveiled at the Museum’s re-opening in 1997. Since then, all exhibits have been conceived and built by USU students. In 1998, after the renovations had been completed, Dr. Steven Simms assumed the Museum Directorship and in 2000 Dr. David Lancy took over the position. Neither, however, enjoyed a formal role allocation for their time. Nevertheless, Drs. Simms, Lancy, and other members of the Anthropology faculty continued Dr. Loveland’s commitment to a student-focused museum mission that pervaded every facet of museum work.
In 2002, former Professor of Anthropology, Dr. Bonnie Pitblado assumed the Museum Directorship to build on the accomplishments of her colleagues and predecessors and developed a number of academic and public programs, followed shortly thereafter by Dr. Patricia Lambert. Today, the museum is overseen by Executive Director Dr. Molly Boeka Cannon along with assistance from numerous USU students. We continue to offer public programs through the Family 1st Saturdays as well as academic opportunities through the Museum Studies Certificate and docent training at the museum.