Frequently Asked Questions
The IU Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology is a new museum with a new mission but it is built upon the legacy of the rich collections of the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology and the Mathers Museum of World Cultures.
The Museum will be housed in the former Glenn Black Lab and Mathers Museum facilities at 416 N. Indiana Avenue in Bloomington, but the facilities are being substantially renovated. Some aspects of the renovation include:
- converting two dated and now inefficient separate spaces into one with extensive replacement and modernization of mechanical and other infrastructure. For example, new HVAC systems, electrical upgrades, and other such improvements will make our facility better for visitors, students, researchers, and employees.
- increasing the visibility of, and access to, collections through innovative exhibits and extensive use of technology, including 3-D digital scanning and exhibition tools developed at IU
- providing improved spaces for research, teaching, and public education programs based on the collections
The renovation is being funded through an $11 million capital appropriation made to IU in the last state budget and other state funds. We are extremely grateful to the Legislature and Governor Eric Holcomb for their support of this project vital to the state's history. The university is also in the process of raising additional funds from philanthropic sources.
The spirit, collections, and activities of the Mathers, including cultural exhibitions, will live on as featured aspects in the new Museum. We look forward to expanding on its education programs and exceptional outreach activities, and developing loan and exhibit exchange programs with important museums elsewhere in the country and world.
One key focus of the new Museum will be Native American people of the American Midwest and beyond, utilizing the collection of artifacts cared for by the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology, including artifacts from Angel Mounds near Evansville, Ind. In addition, the new Museum will invigorate research in archaeology for collections and field work in the Glenn A. Black Research Laboratory.
The museum will be operated by staff of the previous Mathers Museum of World Cultures and Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology. As of June 2023, the new Executive Director is Brandie Macdonald. She brings 15 years of nonprofit leadership to the role, including extensive experience managing teams, curating exhibits, fundraising and relationship-building with Indigenous people.