Mission
The mission of the William S. Webb Museum of Anthropology & Office of State Archaeology is to preserve, document, study, and share cultural heritage through anthropological research, archaeological records management, collections stewardship, education, and public service.
WSWMA & OSA fulfills this mission by caring for archaeological, ethnographic, archival, and documentary collections; maintaining statewide archaeological site information; supporting responsible compliance with state and federal preservation laws; and creating opportunities for students, researchers, agencies, communities, and the public to engage with Kentucky’s past and with broader questions about human history, culture, and society.
Our work is grounded in anthropology: the study of humans, past and present. Archaeology is currently the Museum’s most visible area of work and a central part of our public-service responsibility. Through artifacts, sites, records, collections, and landscapes, archaeology helps us understand human lives, communities, technologies, environments, and cultural change over time.
At the same time, the Museum’s collections and future programming connect to anthropology more broadly. Ethnographic collections, comparative teaching materials, digital exhibits, and educational resources provide opportunities to explore material culture, cultural diversity, human evolution, global connections, museum practice, and the many ways people have lived, adapted, created, and connected across time and place.
Vision
The William S. Webb Museum of Anthropology & Office of State Archaeology strives to be Kentucky’s leading university-based center for archaeological stewardship, anthropological research, collections care, education, and public service.
Our vision is to build a sustainable and accessible future for WSWMA & OSA by strengthening collections care, expanding responsible access to archaeological and anthropological information, supporting innovative research, developing educational and outreach programs, and deepening partnerships across the University, the Commonwealth, Tribal Nations, public agencies, professional archaeologists, educators, students, researchers, and local communities.
Through this work, WSWMA & OSA seeks to connect people with Kentucky’s rich archaeological record and with broader anthropological questions about human history, culture, and experience. We are committed to ensuring that the collections, records, places, and knowledge entrusted to our care are preserved, studied, and shared responsibly for future generations.
Guiding Principles
Stewardship: We are committed to the long-term care of archaeological, ethnographic, archival, and documentary collections, records, and information entrusted to the University of Kentucky.
Public Service: We serve the Commonwealth by supporting responsible archaeological research, preservation planning, compliance, education, and community engagement.
Anthropological Perspective: We approach collections, records, and public interpretation through anthropology’s broad concern with human lives, cultures, histories, environments, and experiences.
Research and Learning: We support scholarly inquiry, student training, and public understanding through collections, records, field research, digital resources, and educational partnerships.
Collaboration: We work with University partners, public agencies, professional archaeologists, researchers, educators, communities, landowners, and other stakeholders to support responsible stewardship of Kentucky’s cultural heritage.
Responsible Access: We promote access to collections and information while protecting sensitive locations, confidential records, and cultural resources that require careful management.