Organization

The Museum began as a repository for the Department of Anthropology, whose expeditions were actively generating collections as early as the 1960s. In 1982 the Museum received its current name and, a few years later, was administratively separated from the Department. Throughout the 1980s, the museum improved by securing a Museum Assessment Program grant and a General Conservation Survey grant from the federal government. In addition MPC's first full-time administrator's position, an assistant director was created. The 1990s were a period of professionalization. Two half-time curator positions were created. This allowed the museum to improve and emphasize its teaching function. The museum continued to receive federal grants and also began to receive grants from the State of Utah. The increase in outside funding and emphasis on teaching lead to a program of yearly changing exhibits, which were developed and produced as part of class work. Late in 2003, after ten years of development, a new Certificate in Museum Practices Program was approved, with the Museum's permanent staff teaching the core courses using the Museum as the Program's hands-on learning stage. The MPC is committed to exhibitions, programs, and research driven by students as part of assigned class work and employment, whereby they gain practical, marketable experience that transfers directly to museum careers and public service.