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Penn Museum
A multidisciplinary approach to considering the Earth’s changing systems
Bringing expertise from each of their disciplines, the School of Arts & Sciences’ Kathleen Morrison and Joseph Francisco and the Environmental Innovations Initiative’s Melissa Brown Goodall infused chemistry, anthropology, policy, and more into an introductory course on climate and the environment.
Inspiring the next generation of archive scholars
Through Inside the Archive, a course taught by Liliane Weissberg of the School of Arts & Sciences, Penn students explore what an archive is, how history gets written, and what is ahead in a digital future.
Keepers of the cultural memory
In wartime, saving human lives is a top priority. But secondary considerations often include preserving the cultural heritage also under siege. Penn experts offer their thoughts as the situation in Ukraine continues to unfold.
Christopher Woods on his first year as director of the Penn Museum
Penn Museum Director Christopher Woods leads the massive transformation of the 135-year-old institution’s building while reevaluating the collection, expanding the staff and community engagement, and addressing sensitive issues through new policies.
Nobel Prize winner Wole Soyinka on art and culture
Wole Soyinka, the first African to win the Nobel Prize for Literature, spoke as the inaugural guest for the Distinguished Lecture in African Studies.
From 2,800-year-old charred food lumps, a window into past civilizations
At a site in southern India, archaeologist Kathleen Morrison and colleagues discovered the remains of two types of dough, offering insights into how the region’s dietary practices have evolved.
Studying the past through a modern-day lens
In a Q & A, archaeologist and PIK Professor Lynn Meskell discusses her background, the subjects that interest her—from espionage to World Heritage sites—and collaborations that have organically arisen at Penn despite the pandemic and a mostly remote first year.
Art from Mexico
During visits to the Penn Museum this semester, nearly 200 students in intermediate Spanish classes had the chance to learn about yarn paintings by the Huichol people, an indigenous group in Northwest Mexico.
Alumni Award of Merit and Creative Spirit Awards honor seven alumni
Stephen Goff is awarded Creative Spirit Award and Al Filreis is to receive the Faculty Award of Merit.
Penn Libraries receives major gift of rare photographic plates by Edward S. Curtis
The University of Pennsylvania Libraries has received a rare collection of 151 interpositive glass plates by photographer Edward S. Curtis (1868–1952) from collector William H. Miller III. Appraised at $4.2 million, the gift to the Penn Libraries complements holdings across the University, making Penn a major center for research and work on Curtis, one of the most prolific American photographers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
In the News
Penn Museum taps Tia Jackson-Truitt as its first chief diversity officer
Tia Jackson-Truitt has been selected as the Museum’s first chief diversity officer. She earned her master’s degree in social work from Penn in 2003.
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‘Weaving is like a prayer’: Barnes Foundation shows its Native art collection for the first time
The Penn Museum contributed objects to a new exhibit at the Barnes Foundation that combines older and contemporary Native artworks. Penn’s Lucy Fowler Williams said she and her fellow curator “sought out artists whose work is really substantively engaging with the community and with the historical traditions.”
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From naked Greek athletes to Marian Anderson’s elegant velvet concert gown, new show at Penn Museum is dressed for all occasions
The Museum’s current exhibit, “The Stories We Wear,” was featured. “Our idea began with turning that on its head and showing why jewelry and clothing and footwear and anything you can think of that you can put on your body is actually important and meaningful,” said curator Lauren Ristvet.
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New-York Historical Society selects new trustee chair
H.M. Agnes Hsu-Tang, a consulting scholar to the Penn Museum, has been elected chair of the New-York Historical Society’s Board of Trustees.
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5 historical garments that showcase the link between fashion and identity
“The Stories We Wear,” a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, was featured. “We often dismiss fashion as frivolous," said curator Lauren Ristvet. "But our appearances are important. The way we dress communicates who we are and what we do."
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Penn Museum’s first artist in residence encourages others to ‘transcend without fear’
The Museum’s first artist in residence, Carlos José Pérez Sámano, is partnering with local Latino community leaders to present free creative writing workshops.
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