2 IU cultural institutions to merge collections

Millions of historical, archaeological and anthropological treasures are being brought together under one roof as two prominent IU cultural institutions merge this month.

After 50 years of independence, the Mathers Museum of World Cultures and the Glenn Black Laboratory of Archaeology will now operate as one institution.

“During their independent histories, the Glenn Black Laboratory and the Mathers Museum have cooperated often; pursuing curation, outreach, research and training with diligence and distinction,” Satira Soni, IU associate vice president for research and vice provost for research, said in a press release.

“I’m confident that bringing together these units will enable the new organization to raise the level of excellence they strive for every day and advance their shared missions for many years to come.”

The Mathers Museum was founded in 1963 and has more than 30,000 artifacts from around the globe.

The museum includes collections of African and Native American cultures, Indiana history, Latin American cultures and musical instruments.

The Glenn Black Laboratory, founded in 1965, features nearly 12,000 archaeological collections, showcasing millions of artifacts from Indiana and across the Midwest.

Combined, the research and programs will propel the new institution to the top three university museums of world cultures and archaeology in the country.

Geoffrey W. Conrad, professor of anthropology and director of the Mathers Museum, will oversee the newly merged institution.

“The Mathers Museum and the Glenn Black Lab developed outstanding strengths in their own areas during nearly 50 years of independent existence,” Conrad said. “By joining the two institutions, Indiana University now has the chance to create one of the country’s pre-eminent centers for the preservation, study and display of the world’s cultural heritage at every level from the local to the universal.”

UPCOMING EVENTS at the Mathers museum of World Cultures/Glenn Black Laboratory of Archaeology

Aug. 9
The institution will offer a free workshop for K-12 teachers. The workshop will teach educators what resources and opportunities now exist for local classrooms thanks to the merger.

Sept. 25
The institution’s renovated archaeology exhibit hall will be re-opened and will feature archaeology from Indiana and the Midwest.
The exhibit will also show visitors the basics of the archaeological process with hands-on activities.

— Jake New