Anthropology Museum

The Merritt Museum of Anthropology was founded in 1973 and created as a teaching museum. In 1989, Dr. Barbara Joans became the Museum Director, teaching a class in Museum studies and exhibition until her retirement in 2011.  The Museum, now situated as a series of collections, resides at Merritt College awaiting a new director to take it further.  There are artifacts from all over the world, including material from Africa, Asia, EurAsia, Europe, North and South America (including Alaska), New Guinea and the Pacific Islands.  The Merritt Museum of Anthropology is also committed to creating exhibits and projects that highlight Oakland in all its rich historical diversity and contemporary vitality.  From the exotic to the familiar, the artifacts celebrate our human heritage.