Column: Museum director works to preserve Agua Caliente history

Friday, August 19, 2011  

"Imagine being chiefly responsible for preserving, documenting and celebrating an entire culture with a history of thousands of years — but one that is still vibrant and dynamic today. How do you capture that enormous range of history in compelling ways to connect with the public?

This daunting but exciting prospect is the mission, challenge and focus of Michael Hammond, executive director of the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum. As an anthropologist with a special emphasis in archaeology and vast experience working in historical and Native American museums, Hammond is uniquely qualified to do just that.

He's a nationally known and respected expert in his field who is often asked to speak at museum conferences and historic/cultural preservation events all around the country. A few years ago, Hammond had the distinction of being the keynote speaker at the annual meeting of the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Washington, D.C. Next month, he will address the board of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian.

During his time in Palm Springs, Hammond has made significant cultural contributions to the community."

Get the Story:
Lydia Kremer: Museum director works to preserve tribe's history (The Palm Springs Desert Sun 8/19)