2nd Curator Search at NMNH: Language Studies

From a Department of Anthropology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution news release:

Anthropology Curator Search

Anthropologist (Linguistics)

The Department of Anthropology at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History seeks a research curator in linguistics, anthropological linguistics, linguistic anthropology or sociolinguistics.

The Department of Anthropology is one of the largest and most diverse in the nation, with more than 70 full-time staff, including 19 research curators in divisions of archaeology, ethnology, and physical anthropology. Anthropological research, including linguistics, has flourished at the Smithsonian for over 150 years, resulting in a wealth of publications, exhibitions, and collaborations, as well as world-renowned collections of artifacts, manuscripts, photographs, and film (http://anthropology.si.edu/).

We seek an individual who will initiate and maintain an innovative scholarly program in linguistics, anthropological linguistics, linguistic anthropology and/or sociolinguistics. Works to enhance the linguistic collections, housed primarily in the Department of Anthropology’s National Anthropological Archives, from a curatorial and research perspective, including developing research based on Smithsonian collections, expanding collections use, and building collections. Conducts research that addresses major research themes within linguistics, anthropological linguistics, linguistic anthropology, sociolinguistics or related fields of study. Works collaboratively with departmental staff to develop a program in endangered language research, preservation and revitalization. Works to enhance the linguistic collections, housed in the National Anthropological Archives, from a curatorial and research perspective including developing research based on Smithsonian collections, expanding collections use, and building collections. Collaborates with researchers within the Smithsonian and in other institutions to encourage studies related to the Department’s activities and to promote the increase and dissemination of linguistic knowledge. The incumbent must be familiar with the most current research ideas and applications available for research in linguistics and/or related fields. Doctoral degree in linguistics, anthropological linguistics, socio-linguistics or related disciplines with strong anthropological training, robust record of publication, and evidence of successful grantsmanship appropriate to career level strongly preferred.

This position will be initially offered as a four-year term appointment, comparable to a tenure-track university position. It is a Federal position and U.S. citizenship is required. For complete requirements and application instructions go to http://www.blogger.com/www.si.edu/ohr and scroll to announcement # 09A-RB-294783-DEU-NMNH. The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Council for Museum Anthropology Seeking Papers for 2009 AAA Annual Meeting

A CMA CFP from the AAA BB:

The Council for Museum Anthropology seeks papers and sessions for the 2009 AAA Annual Meeting. Sessions or papers concerning museums in social life, the role of museums in anthropological research broadly defined, representations of culture, material culture studies, professional practice in museum settings, cross-cultural studies of museums and related organizations, cultural property, and ethical issues surrounding the acquisition, display, interpretation and ownership of objects are welcomed. Sessions or papers may be submitted online through the AAA meeting site.

Contact Information
Alex Barker
Museum of Art and Archaeology
1 Pickard Hall, University of Missouri
Columbia MO 65211 USA
Phone: 573-882-5075
Email: barkeraw@missouri.edu

The Colorful Canes of John Schoolman: Politics, Patriotism and Paint

From an Indiana University Announcement for an upcoming exhibition at the Mathers Museum that has been researched and curated by Traditional Arts Indiana:

This exhibit features the expressive nature of John Schoolman's political walking sticks. From World War I to the War in Iraq, Mr. Schoolman has vivid memories. His lively character and strong sense of "patriotism" is expressed in the colors, shapes, and creative figures on his walking sticks. Each cane displays recognizably political motifs, sayings and political figures.

In addition, they reflect his distinct relationship to his community and the nation from the vantage point of one whose life has spanned a century. This exhibit will explore the way that people relate to their nation through art, expressing their individuality through traditional forms.

Summer Institute in Museum Anthropology

From a Dear Colleague Letter from Candace Greene, Director of the Smithsonian Institution Summer Institute in Museum Anthropology (SIMA):

Dear Colleagues – I am pleased to announce a new research training initiative being launched by the Smithsonian Department of Anthropology with support (pending) from the National Science Foundation.

The Summer Institute in Museum Anthropology is an intensive four-week training program that will teach graduate students how to use museum collections in research, incorporating Smithsonian collections as an integral part of their anthropological training. Support from the Cultural Anthropology Program at NSF will cover full tuition and living expenses for 12 students each summer.

Please help us get the word out on this program, which will begin in June 2009 and is already accepting applications. Full information including application instructions and dates is available at http://anthropology.si.edu/summerinstitute.

Candace Greene
Director, Summer Institute in Museum Anthropology
Ethnologist, Collections and Archives Program
Department of Anthropology
National Museum of Natural History
Smithsonian Institution

Richard Kurin Named Smithsonian Undersecretary

From an American Folklore Society email newsletter...

Richard Kurin Named Smithsonian Undersecretary

New Smithsonian Secretary G. Wayne Clough has named AFS member Dr. Richard Kurin as the Smithsonian's Under Secretary for History, Art, and Culture. For over two decades before this new appointment, Kurin has served as the Director of the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, overseeing the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, the Ralph Rinzler Archives, and Smithsonian Global Sound, as well as the Center's cultural policy work. From 2004 to 2007 he also directed the Smithsonian's national programs.

Kurin is a former Fulbright fellow with a PhD in cultural anthropology from the University of Chicago. He is the author of several books including Hope Diamond: The Legendary History of a Cursed Gem, Reflections of a Cultural Broker: A View from the Smithsonian, and Smithsonian Folklife Festival: Culture Of, By, and For the People, as well as scores of scholarly chapters and articles. He has been awarded the Smithsonian Secretary's Gold Medal for Exceptional Service and the AFS's Benjamin A. Botkin Prize for lifetime achievement in public folklore.