News from MIAC/Lab

OCTOBER 2, 2023

Santa Fe, NM – Museum of Indian Arts & Culture (MIAC) has hired Dr. Elisabeth Stone as its new Deputy Director. Dr. Stone has been promoted to this role internally, having served as the Manager for Coronado and Jemez Historic Sites. Her first day with MIAC is today, October 2, 2023. 

 “Dr. Stone brings with her an incredible set of skills and an enthusiasm for community-led interpretation of history,” said Debra Garcia y Griego, New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs Cabinet Secretary. “This is another example of how we continually promote within the department assuring talented individuals stay at NMDCA to serve the public. Keeping experienced, talented leaders like Elisabeth boosts productivity, employee confidence, and growth at our locations promoting engagement with visitors creating a more fulfilling experience.”  

 Elisabeth Stone holds a PhD in Anthropology from UNM, with an emphasis in archaeology, as well as an MA in Anthropology and Museum Studies, with a focus on museum education. In addition, she has extensive training and experience in visitor studies and in building equity into museum practice. 

 “We are looking forward to having her as a part of the museum team,” said Polly Nordstrand (Hopi), director of Museum of Indian Arts & Culture. “Dr. Stone’s commitment to community engagement will support the work to be inclusive of Indigenous voices for which we are well known.” 

Stone has worked throughout New Mexico, including Four Corners, Las Cruces, and the Central Rio Grande valley in archaeological, historic, and outdoor education and has curated exhibitions on topics ranging from New Mexico culinary history to quilting practices to women’s rights and activism. Beyond New Mexico, she has worked at the Spurlock Museum at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champagne and done archaeological research and museum interpretation at museums in Mexico, Spain, Peru, France, and Hungary, as well as throughout the United States.  

 “I am excited to be the new Deputy Director at Museum of Indian Arts & Culture and to bring my archaeological, museum, and educational background to this position,” said Dr. Elisabeth Stone. “This is a tremendous opportunity and I look forward to working and partnering with tribal communities in New Mexico and to share and welcome visitors to the museum.” 

 Her archaeological research focuses on bone tools, particularly those used in basketry, weaving, hideworking, and sewing. She is interested in archaeological research that sheds light on the lives and work of elders and children and the archaeology of daily life.  

 About the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture   

The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, under the leadership of the Board of Regents for the Museum of New Mexico. Programs and exhibits are generously supported by the Museum of New Mexico Foundation and our donors. The mission of the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture/Laboratory of Anthropology is to serve as a center of stewardship, knowledge, and understanding of the artistic, cultural, and intellectual achievements of the diverse peoples of the Native Southwest.