Claire Milner

Claire McHale Milner is an Associate Research Professor, Curator, and Director of Exhibits at Pennsylvania State University. She holds a B.A. from Northwestern University (1978), an M.A. from the University of Michigan (1981), and a Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Michigan (1998). Her research focuses on North American archaeology, particularly the Late Prehistoric period of the Upper Great Lakes, integrating ethnohistorical records with ceramic analysis to study forager-farmer adaptations in high-risk environments. She also specializes in museum studies, curating exhibits at the Matson Museum of Anthropology.

Her research interests include tribal societies, social differentiation through material culture, and the intersection of archaeology with museum education. Over 15 years (1995–2008), she directed over 50 museum exhibits exploring themes like ancient civilizations, genetic studies, and cultural anthropology, often collaborating with students and researchers. These exhibits highlight her dual focus on academic research and public engagement.

No scientific awards are listed in the provided materials. Her teaching includes courses on museology (Anth 380) and North American Indigenous peoples (Anth 146). While no formal advisees are explicitly noted, she has collaborated with numerous students on exhibit development projects, reflecting her mentorship role in applied anthropology.

Her work at the Matson Museum demonstrates expertise in curatorial practices, educational outreach, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Key exhibits include 'Corn Agriculture in the Americas' (1995), 'Tracking Human Evolution' (1997), and 'Symbol and Sustenance: Pottery of North Africa' (2004). Grant details are not specified in the text.