Integrate the Museum’s virtual resources into your curriculum. All of the following materials are free and readily available online.  

• View the 2020 exhibition, Transient Matter. Use the accompanying discussion guide to deepen class conversations and prompt reflection.
• Explore the Haffenreffer Museum collection via the Online Catalogue.
• View past talks with scholars, artists, and other noted guests. 
• Read Museum publications, including past exhibition catalogues.

We encourage instructors to schedule a guided or self-guided exploration of the current exhibitions in Manning Hall by emailing [email protected] at least three weeks in advance. Museum staff can work with instructors to develop and facilitate course-specific assignments, tours, and seminar sessions in the gallery.

Instructors may also arrange a visit to the Collections Research Center in Bristol, RI. Request a visit by emailing a Research Request/Collection Access form to [email protected] at least three weeks in advance. Please note that instructors are responsible for transportation to/from the Collections Research Center.

Located in Manning Hall, the CultureLab offers students an opportunity to directly interact with objects from the Museum’s collection. Museum staff work closely with instructors to select objects for class visits and assignments, and we ask interested instructors to email a Research Request/Collection Access form to [email protected] at least three weeks in advance.

Please note that, while the CultureLab is best suited for groups of 12 or fewer students, we can accommodate larger classes as scheduling and space allows.

Objects inspire questions, and the Museum supports instructors, students, and researchers in answering those questions.

To inquire about using the Museum’s collections, archives, or Circumpolar Laboratory for your research, email a completed Research Request/Collections Access form to [email protected].

Please note that researchers are responsible for their own transportation to/from the Collections Research Center, open by appointment only in Bristol, RI.

Students from any university may propose internship projects for the Museum. Past projects have focused on collections management, education, exhibitions, public relations, conservation, and independent research.

Interns must work with a faculty advisor from their institution and Museum staff to determine the project’s scope and timeline. Students are expected to work at least one day per week during their internship and can receive course credit or, in some cases, a small stipend.

Brown University students usually enroll in ANTH 1970 (for undergraduate students) or ANTH 2980 (for graduate students). Brown University undergraduate students can also partner with the Museum for an UTRA award.

American Indian/Alaska Native students at Brown University are eligible to submit proposals for the Rudolf F. Haffenreffer 3rd Internship. Awarded on a competitive basis, this semester-long internship is supported by a stipend.

The Museum works with Brown University departments to arrange proctorships for graduate students interested in gaining practical museum skills and/or pursuing independent research projects with the Museum’s collections or archives.

 All proctorship appointments must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies in the student’s home department and by the Graduate School. We recommend consulting with the Museum to identify interested students and coordinate projects.

Please note that proctors placed at the Museum are expected to work 15-20 hours per week at the Collections Research Center, located in Bristol, RI. Regular access to a vehicle is highly recommended.

Brown University instructors and students conducting field research are encouraged to apply for Collecting Grants. A limited number of small grants are available for the collection of objects that contribute to the Museum’s mission.

Email [email protected] for more information.