Events
Department of Anthropology and Sociology
“Student Activism and Ethnic Studies @ WCU – The 1960s to the Present”
Thursday, March 5
2:00 – 3:15 pm, Philips Autograph Library
Amazon in Africa: Corporate Development and Community Conflict: Book Signing and Lecture by Amy Stambach
Thursday, April 23 from 2:30-3:15 pm
Anderson 203
Join the Department of Anthropology and Sociology and the Office of Sustainability for a special book signing and public lecture by Amy Stambach, Professor of Anthropology and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, author of the new book, The Corporate Alibi: The Cultural Politics of U.S. Investments in Africa. This talk examines a high-profile conflict over land, heritage, and development surrounding Amazon Web Services’ expansion in Cape Town, South Africa. It draws on ethnographic research and legal battles involving Khoi and San communities, environmental activists, developers, and municipal authorities. At the heart of the controversy is a struggle over what counts as “heritage.” Indigenous communities emphasized the site’s sacred and historical significance, while developers dismissed it for lacking visible, “tangible” remains. By analyzing the controversy, the talk foregrounds the structural conditions through which claims to land and history are authorized and erased. Books will be available for purchase and signing. For more information, contact ANTSOC@wcupa.edu.
Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology
Becoming America in West Chester
April 24, 2026-August 1, 2027
Opening reception: Friday, April 24, 2026 6:00 pm
Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology (Old Library), Atrium Gallery
Join us for the opening of the Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology’s latest student-curated exhibition, Becoming America in West Chester—a highlight of WCU’s America 250 celebration. Housed inside a reconstruction of the historic Turk’s Head Tavern, the center of our town during Revolutionary times, this special exhibition tells the story of how West Chester became the vibrant borough we know today. With authentic artifacts spanning 5,000 years, we will learn about the Lenape people who were removed in 1733 through the Walking Purchase, the creation of the village around the Turk’s Head Tavern in 1769 along the road from Philadelphia to Lancaster, and its establishment into the Borough of West Chester in 1799—mirroring, in many ways, the development of modern America 250 years ago. The exhibition also showcases important moments in time from the 1800s to today. Period music and refreshments will be featured at the opening reception. For more information, contact museum@wcupa.edu.
Panel by Panel: The Social and Cultural Impact of Comics
September 26, 2025 – October 1, 2026
Open Monday-Friday
Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology (Old Library), Gallery 102
In Panel by Panel: The Social and Cultural Impact of Comics, experience the excitement and diversity of comics of all kinds—from political cartoons to manga, graphic novels to Marvel superheroes—as we explore the history, development and artistic craft of comics; their impact on education, commerce, and collecting culture; and their reflection of society’s treatment of diverse genders, sexualities, races, and religions. This interactive exhibition includes authentic artifacts such as the earliest political cartoons published in the U.S. and Europe, rare cross-over collectibles, and even original sketches by Spiderman creator Steve Ditko! For more information, explore our 3D virtual exhibition at www.wcupa.edu/PanelByPanel.
Roaring in Secret: Subversion and Change in the 1920s
Open Monday-Friday
Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology (Old Library), Lower Gallery
This is the last semester to visit the Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology’s acclaimed exhibition, Roaring in Secret: Subversion and Change in the 1920s—the Museum’s most interactive and ambitious exhibition yet! Explore a recreation of a 1920s apartment, adorned with rare, century-old artifacts that testify to the 1920’s subversive nature, particularly towards race, immigration, gender and sexuality. Authentic pieces include radios and Victrolas, musical instruments such as a theremin and the one-of-a-kind Royal Slide Saxophone, flapper dresses and jewelry, first edition books, sports memorabilia, furniture, and even real medicinal whiskey from the Prohibition era! Then, see if you can find a secret passage to our very own interactive speakeasy! Admission is free and open to the public. For more information and hours, please see www.wcupa.edu/RoaringInSecret for opening hours and a 3D virtual version, or write museum@wcupa.edu.