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History Thursday: A New Home, a New Name, and Growth: 1961-1969

Maxwell Museum Blog

Student Union building now the anthropology/maxwell

In 1958, the Museum and Department moved into the former Student Union Building. The 1936 building (now the Anthropology Building), designed by architect John Gaw Meem, was remodeled. The Museum occupied 1500 square feet of storage space and 3500 square feet of exhibit space. And, for the first time since its founding, a separate budget was established for the Museum that included funds for a full-time curator and a part-time exhibits staff. Dr. Jerry J. Brody was hired as curator in 1961. After nearly 30 years, the Museum had its first full-time staff member.

J.J. Brody, Maxwell Museum's first curator

Throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, the Museum was increasingly recognized as a national center of research and important regional attraction. The collections continued to grow in size and scope, as did public programs. A formal docent program was launched in 1968 with the aid of the UNM College of Education and support from Gilbert and Dorothy Maxwell. Also during this year, Dorothy’s father, Clark Field, donated an extensive library of some 1000 anthropological books to the Museum, which formed the nucleus of the Clark Field Archive and Library. A museum store was added; the exhibition program became more ambitious and dynamic; and a variety of public lectures and workshops were offered. Research endeavors, all in partnership with the Department of Anthropology, also diversified.

south view of anthropology building  Anthropology building, former University of New Mexico Student Union Anthropology building, east view - former University of New Mexico Student Union

The Anthropology department and Museum building at the University of New Mexico circa 1960s, former Student Union building