What Does a Penn Museum Conservator Do?

Nov. 1, 2024

By Conservation Department

Ask a Conservator Day is an annual chance to shed light on the critical—but often invisible—work of conservation professionals. Penn Museum Head Conservator Molly Gleeson shares answers to some frequently asked questions about the profession.

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Oct. 15, 2024

By Charlotte Williams

The Paper Trails of Archaeological Labor

Throughout the 20th century, American archaeologists announced a mesmerizing series of major discoveries in Central America. Looking back at the archives, a common theme appears: The archaeologists listened to local knowledge and relied on local labor.

Research

Sep. 27, 2024

By Jo Tiongson-Perez

The Skywatchers

From charting stars that measured time in Ancient Egypt to surveying space with digital telescopes today, Penn Museum’s Egyptologist Jennifer Wegner and The Franklin Institute’s Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts take us through a timeless continuum of reaching for the skies.

Research

A black-and-white illustration depicts a colossal ancient Assyrian winged bull with the head of a bearded man, known as a Lamassu, standing next to a human figure in traditional Middle Eastern attire holding a spear. The human figure's height reaches the Lamassu's shoulder.

Aug. 30, 2024

By W.B. Hafford

The Case of the Disappearing Lion-Men

Archaeologist W.B. Hafford shares how the team encountered and solved an archaeological mystery during recent excavations at the ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud.

Fieldwork

Aug. 23, 2024

By Joyce White

Cultivating Botanical Collections 

Across the U.S., the study of plants has suffered from budget cuts and the closing of institutions dedicated to botanical research. At the Penn Museum, an international collaborative project keeps a spotlight on the wonder of plants.

Fieldwork

Jul. 30, 2024

By Sarah Linn

Carrying the Olympic Torch

Penn Museum archaeologist Sarah Linn shares the long history behind today’s Olympic games with elite Penn athletes Aliya Garuzzo and recently named Olympian Isabella Whittaker.

Collections

Jul. 25, 2024

By Emmanuel Beatty

Celebrating Future Museum Leaders

On National Intern Day, Emmanuel Beatty interviews seven of his peers, exploring their diverse department responsibilities as part of the Penn Museum’s paid summer internship program.

Students