Located in Connell Hall, the Museum of Anthropology showcases the place of humans in the physical world, the development of the human brain, and some of the accomplishments of humanity both ancient and modern. Some scientists say human ingenuity can be observed as early as 2½ million years ago. Exhibits demonstrate how people have used many elements of their environments to meet their needs including stones, plants, clay, and metals. These displays represent most of the disciplines in the social sciences programs at WSC: history, geography, political science, psychology, and sociology.
The featured collections were donated to Wayne State College by alumni John Kyl and Virginia Chapin McCain. These collections feature items both ancient and modern, mainly from the Southwest United States. All objects are set within displays to illustrate the rise of humanity and unique characteristics that set us apart from the rest of the animal kingdom. Others who have donated to our collections include Garry Matteson of Norfolk, Neb., and WSC professors Gretchen Ronnow, Catherine Rudin and Ali Eminov, Bill and Julia Slaymaker, Paul Campbell, and Susan Ellis.