The Anthropology of Star Wars and Star Trek

Utah State University’s Museum of Anthropology will investigate the impact that science fiction has on culture during its next Saturdays at the Museum activity Feb. 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

During activities that day, the museum will host Daryl Frazetti, professor of biology and anthropology at Western Nevada College. His presentation on the role of science fiction in higher education begins at 11 a.m. A second presentation on the anthropology of Star Wars and Star Trek begins at 1 p.m.

Throughout the day several displays that examine the technology inspired by Star Wars and Star Trek will be available. Visitors can also come dressed as their favorite Star Wars or Star Trek character, with prizes awarded all day for excellent costumes.

“Star Wars and Star Trek, along with science fiction, have created a subculture all their own” said museum assistant Diana Azevedo. “As an anthropology museum we get to study that culture as well as participate in it. I can’t wait to see the costumes!”

In addition to the Saturdays at the Museum activity series with its 10 a.m.-4 p.m. hours, community members and USU students alike can visit the museum during its standard operating hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Funding for Saturday events is provided by a grant from the United States Institute of Museum and Library Services. More information about the IMLS is available online.

The USU Museum of Anthropology can be found on the USU campus in the south turret of the historic Old Main building, Room 252. Admission is free. For Saturday activities, free parking is available in the adjacent lot, south of the building.

For more information about museum events, call museum staff at (435) 797-7545 or visit the museum website.

The Museum of Anthropology is part of the Anthropology Program at USU in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Related links:

• USU Anthropology Program
• USU Department of Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology
• USU College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Source: Museum of Anthropology

Contact: USU Museum of Anthropology, (435) 797-7545, anthro.museum@usu.edu