by Helena Witzke
The WMU Department of Anthropology unveiled new, extended quarters dedicated to the archaeology program during an Oct. 7 open house.
Conrad Kaufman completes the mural in the new Anthropology space in Moore Hall. (photo by Lynne Heasley)
Three rooms in 1060 Moore Hall, the former site of the WMU Writing Center, have been overhauled in order to create valuable lab space for different archaeological projects being carried out by students and faculty. One lab is intended for use by the Fort St. Joseph project, which is under the direction of WMU Professor of anthropology Dr. Michael Nassaney; another for the Farmstead Archaeology project, which is focused in the Finger Lakes National Forest and directed by Dr. Louann Wurst, department chair; and the third, a “wet lab,” which assist with processing artifacts discovered in southwest Michigan.
A mural by artist and Department of Anthropology alumnus Conrad Kaufman was commissioned to adorn the facilities, designed by WMU interior designer Sheri Harper. Kaufman’s mural depicts many different elements of the discipline, making the richness of the program highly visible to the university community. Those walking through Moore Hall will not only be able to get a glimpse of the broadness of anthropology, but also the connections it shares amongst its varied branches.
The lab space will have a great impact on the department, which for years did not have any space in which research by students and faculty could be performed. However, with these three labs, students will have greater opportunities to tackle new projects and gain valuable experience.
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