Brigham Young University. Museum of Peoples and Cultures

Formerly the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, in 1980 the Museum received its current name and gradually separated administratively from the Department. Museum directors included Joel C. Janetski (1987-1999) and Marti L. Allen (1999-2007). Paul Stavast currently administrates the museum as director.

Description

Established: 1980

Location: Provo, Utah (1980- )

Functions

Through exhibits, research, and classes the Museum of Peoples and Cultures aims to fulfill the academic mission of Brigham Young University. The museum contains many collections of prehistoric and ethnographic artifacts from prehistoric Utah, the American Southwest, Mesoamerica, Polynesia, Near East, and early Mormon pioneer life. The museum also houses an extensive collection of photographs documenting Utah Valley and Brigham Young University history. Additionally, students, faculty, and staff can pursue field and laboratory research, as well as take classes in museum studies to gain practical experience in collections care and management through the museum. Furthermore, the Museum of Peoples and Culture houses other departments associated with Department of Anthropology. These are: the Office of Public Archaeology, the Archaeological Technical Laboratory, the New World Archaeological Foundation, and faculty offices of the Department of Anthropology.

Assets and Administrative Structure

Four full-time positions administrate the Museum of Peoples and Cultures. A director leads the curator of education, media contact, and office manager. Outside of these roles students primarily staff the museum through educational programs within the Department of Anthropology and through volunteer work.

Associated Units

Superior unit: Brigham Young University. Dept. of Anthropology (1980-1986)

Superior unit: Brigham Young University. College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences (1986-)

Associated unit: Brigham Young University. Research Division (1986-1990)

Associated unit: Brigham Young University. Cultural Resource Management Services (1981-1986)

Associated unit: Brigham Young University. Office of Public Archaeology (1986-)

Earlier unit: Brigham Young University. Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology (1980)

Associated Archival Materials

Of human interest : the newsletter of BYU anthropology and archaeology (GN 42 .O34x)

Sources

Brigham Young University Museum of Peoples and Cultures WWW site, October 28, 2011: MPC History, MPC Staff, MPC Mission Statement (history; director (Paul Stavast), curator of education, media contact, and office manager; engages students in as many positions as possible)

Brigham Young University General Catalog, 1981-1982: p. 31 (administrative history, functions)

Brigham Young University General Catalog, 1986-1987: p. 113 (placed under the direction of the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences)

Brigham Young University General Catalog, 1987-1988: p. 111 (Joel C. Janetski, director (1987-1988))

Brigham Young University General Catalog, 1999-2000: p. 58 (Marti L. Allen, director (1999-2000); functions)

Maintenance Information

Record ID: EAC-2009-00595

Creator: RSP