Challenges and Rewards of Redesigning an Archaeology Museum at Mesa Verde National Park

Description: 

*This session contains excerpts from the "Challenges and Rewards of Redesigning an Archaeological Museum at Mesa Verde National Park" presentation. The University of Colorado Museum Studies Program is partnering with Mesa Verde National Park to redesign the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum, in collaboration with 26 Tribes associated with the Park. The project began with a presentation at the Park's tribal consultation in 2019. Afterwards, university students visited descendant communities to determine an appropriate process for the collaboration and culturally appropriate exhibit design. The outcomes of their outreach and the resulting collaborative model will be presented. University participants and descendant community members will discuss this work in progress and the challenges and opportunities of working together.