LECTURES
I provide people with a deeper appreciation of the wonderful diversity of the human experience.
Why We Repatriate: De-Colonization
Congress passed the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act in 1990, giving Native Americans a formal legal process through which to claim their ancestors (and associated belongings) and sacred objects held in federally funded institutions. Since then, I have been engaged in the repatriation process at two major natural history museums-- the Field Museum in Chicago and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. In Denver, I've led the effort to not just meet the letter of the law, but to engage in restorative justice nationally and internationally.
This is that story.
This is that story.
Vasily Konovalenko's
Enchanted Russian Gem Carvings
Russian artist and sculptor Vasily Konovalenko greated about 75 gem-carving statutes during a remarkable but poorly known career in the former Soviet Union and, for a time, the United States. Carved out of up to 20 different types of precious and semi-precious gemstones, these sculptures are wonderful, whimsical, and unique three-dimensional mosaic scenes of Russian folk life. This lecture tells Vasily's story, which is full of Cold War intrigue and strange and unexpected twists and turns.
This lecture includes the story of our successful effort to participate in a Konovalenko retrospective exhibition at the Moscow Kremlin Museum in 2016.
This lecture includes the story of our successful effort to participate in a Konovalenko retrospective exhibition at the Moscow Kremlin Museum in 2016.
Time, Trees, and Archaeology: The Wonders of Tree-Ring Dating
The North American Southwest is a spectacular natural laboratory for archaeology for three reasons. First, because the arid environment leads to remarkably good preservation of artifacts and specimens. Second, dozens of Native American tribes, whose ancestors occupied those sites, are active in archaeological research. Third, tree-ring dating gives us the ability to date archaeological sites with annual, and sometimes even seasonal, resolution.
This lecture, which can be modified to focus on particular regions, examines the development, application, and growth of archaeological tree-ring dating over the last 100 years, with an eye toward understanding what the control of Time (with a capital T!) has given to our understanding of these amazing places and people.
This lecture, which can be modified to focus on particular regions, examines the development, application, and growth of archaeological tree-ring dating over the last 100 years, with an eye toward understanding what the control of Time (with a capital T!) has given to our understanding of these amazing places and people.
The Mystery is Us: Curiosities and the Human Experience
This lecture explores a myriad of topics, customized to your interests, in anthropology, archaeology, and museums. The point is not (necessarily) to discover some exotic "other", but to turn the anthropological lens right back on modern (American) society to learn more about the essence of humanity.
Although individual human beings are born in different times, in different places, and with access to different technologies, they, and their social groups, all seek the same thing: to survive and thrive. This through material objects and technologies and Culture (with a capital C!).
This lecture, which can be tailored to your needs, explores wonderfully interesting aspects of the human experience to argue that yes, "The epic sweep of humanity is indeed might cool to behold"!
Although individual human beings are born in different times, in different places, and with access to different technologies, they, and their social groups, all seek the same thing: to survive and thrive. This through material objects and technologies and Culture (with a capital C!).
This lecture, which can be tailored to your needs, explores wonderfully interesting aspects of the human experience to argue that yes, "The epic sweep of humanity is indeed might cool to behold"!
Interested these topics or variants thereof? Let me create a custom lecture for you and your team to help us together explore the essence of humanity!
TEACHING
Professional development for administrators and academics.
Public Speaking, Science ...
and Stand-up Comedy?!?
Strange but Effective Bedfellows
Work with me to communicate difficult, esoteric, and challenging topics
in clear and empathetic ways.
in clear and empathetic ways.
Strategic Planning
Strategic plans are crucial to the long-term sustainability of museums and research institutions.
Informed by more than two decades of administrative leadership in major natural history museums, I can help you prioritize, ask (and answer!) the tough questions, and seek viable solutions to your strategic challenges.
Informed by more than two decades of administrative leadership in major natural history museums, I can help you prioritize, ask (and answer!) the tough questions, and seek viable solutions to your strategic challenges.
Grant Writing and Donor Cultivation
I help scholars, curators, and administrators develop collections, research, and outreach projects that are accessible, interesting, and fundable by granting agencies and philanthropists of all kinds.
I have raised more than $9 million in 50+ targeted, successful, and competitive grants and gifts. People of all kinds love what we do.
Allow me to engage your team, find their passion, and communicate that excitement to donors of all kinds.
I have raised more than $9 million in 50+ targeted, successful, and competitive grants and gifts. People of all kinds love what we do.
Allow me to engage your team, find their passion, and communicate that excitement to donors of all kinds.
Mentorships through Polaris
Polaris is an online mentoring program, through the Museum Leadership Institute. I work with mentees to create broader visions for their work, better understand the shifting museum landscape, and continue developing their management and leadership skills.
Click the button below to connect with me. Let's find out how I can assist you and your team in personal and professional growth.