Race and History

While many interviewees are reluctant to tackle race directly in human evolution exhibits, especially as related to the history of physical (biological) anthropology, there is shared recognition that enhanced coverage of modern human biological variation would be desirable. The author argues that addressing race, including some acknowledgement of the problematic past of physical anthropology, aids relevance. Reasons interviewees proffered not to address race, particularly in historical context, show parallels with those for religion (Chap. 13 ; insufficient space, lack of curator expertise, not an exhibit goal, etc.). The author posits, however, that limiting the topic of race to anthropology museums is not a good strategy. Exhibits exploring human biological variation provide an opportunity to teach evolutionary principles and, in doing so, to move beyond the prevalent focus on natural selection alone. This chapter includes discussion of the Race: Are We So Different? and the Skin: Living Armor, Evolving Identity exhibits.