Susan A. Kaplan

Susan A. Kaplan is an American archaeologist and anthropologist specializing in the historical and pre-contact archaeology of the North American Arctic. She has directed The Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum at Bowdoin College for decades, where her research and curatorial work have significantly advanced understanding of Inuit history, European exploration in the Arctic, and culture contact. Her career is distinguished by interdisciplinary fieldwork, influential publications, and a commitment to public education about northern peoples and environments.

Early life and education

Kaplan completed her undergraduate studies in anthropology, laying the foundation for her future specialization. She earned her Master of Arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh, focusing on anthropological and archaeological methods. She subsequently pursued her doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania, where she conducted dissertation research that deepened her expertise in Arctic archaeology and the material culture of northern indigenous communities. Her academic training at these institutions provided a strong grounding in both New World archaeology and ethnohistory, which would characterize her later interdisciplinary approach.

Career and research

Kaplan's professional career has been centered at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, where she has served as the Director of The Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum and an associated academic professor. In this role, she has overseen the museum's collections related to the expeditions of Robert E. Peary and Donald B. MacMillan, while also initiating and leading original archaeological projects. Her field research has included extensive work in Labrador and Nunavut, investigating sites ranging from Dorset culture settlements to 19th century Moravian mission stations and Hudson's Bay Company posts. This work often explores themes of cultural adaptation, subsistence strategies, and the impacts of European contact on Inuit societies. She has collaborated with organizations like the Smithsonian Institution and various Inuit communities and heritage groups.

Publications and contributions

Kaplan has authored and edited numerous significant publications that contribute to the scholarly record of the Arctic. Her work includes the seminal volume "The Lewis Henry Morgan Lectures" series publication on contact archaeology, as well as influential articles in journals such as Arctic Anthropology and American Antiquity. She co-edited "Archaeology of the Frobisher Voyages" and has written extensively on topics including the Thule tradition, the archaeology of the Torngat Mountains, and the material culture of the Innu and Inuit. Her contributions also encompass major museum exhibitions and catalogs that interpret the history of Arctic exploration and indigenous life for public audiences, often highlighting collections from the American Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Civilization.

Awards and recognition

Throughout her career, Kaplan has received recognition for her scholarly and professional work. She has been awarded research grants from prestigious organizations such as the National Science Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities to support her archaeological fieldwork and analytical projects. Her leadership at The Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum has been instrumental in its growth as a center for research and education, earning respect within institutions like the Arctic Institute of North America. While not primarily defined by a long list of personal awards, her enduring influence is recognized through her sustained contributions to the field, her mentorship of students, and her active participation in scholarly societies dedicated to historical archaeology and northern studies.

Personal life

Kaplan maintains a private personal life, with available biographical details focusing on her professional endeavors. She resides in Maine and remains actively engaged in the academic and cultural community surrounding Bowdoin College. Her long-term dedication to the archaeology and history of the Circumpolar North reflects a deep personal commitment to preserving and understanding the heritage of Arctic regions and their inhabitants.

Category:American archaeologists Category:American anthropologists Category:Arctic researchers Category:Bowdoin College faculty Category:University of Pennsylvania alumni Category:University of Pittsburgh alumni Category:Living people