Michelle A. Tisdel

Michelle A. Tisdel is an Associate Professor and Research Librarian at the National Library of Norway, where she has worked since 2008. Her research focuses on cultural policy, heritage production, museums, material culture, and Afro-Cuban religions. She holds a doctorate in social anthropology from Harvard University (2006).

Her research interests revolve around the intersection of heritage practices and social exclusion, particularly how 'Authorized Heritage Discourse' (Smith 2006) shapes cultural narratives. She explores the political uses of heritage, cultural contestation, and the role of museums in redefining social orders and inclusion.

• Publications: Dissertation on Cuban museums and Afro-Cuban heritage (2006); Book chapter on materiality and society (2008)
• Professional Affiliations: Board member of the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History (2008–present); Former member of Arts Council Norway’s academic committee (2009–2011)