Richard Kurin

Richard Kurin is a renowned American anthropologist and museum director, currently serving as the Acting Director of the National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture and previously as the Under Secretary for Museums and Culture at the Smithsonian Institution. He has worked closely with various institutions, including the Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, and United States Department of State. Kurin's expertise spans across cultural anthropology, museum studies, and cultural heritage preservation, with a focus on Asian Pacific American communities and their contributions to American culture.

● Early Life and Education

Richard Kurin was born in New York City and grew up in Long Island, New York. He developed an interest in anthropology during his undergraduate studies at Georgetown University, where he was influenced by professors such as Clifford Geertz and Victor Turner. Kurin pursued his graduate studies at the University of Chicago, earning a Ph.D. in Anthropology under the guidance of Lloyd Fallers and Milton Singer. His academic background has been shaped by the works of prominent anthropologists, including Margaret Mead, Ruth Benedict, and Melville Herskovits.

● Career

Kurin's career spans over four decades, with significant contributions to the fields of anthropology, museum studies, and cultural heritage preservation. He has worked with various institutions, including the Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, and Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. Kurin has collaborated with notable figures, such as Sylvia Mathews Burwell, Lawrence Small, and G. Wayne Clough, to promote cultural exchange programs and international cooperation in the fields of museum management and cultural preservation. His work has been influenced by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Council of Museums (ICOM).

● Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Kurin has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to anthropology, museum studies, and cultural heritage preservation. He has been recognized by organizations such as the American Anthropological Association, American Folklore Society, and National Endowment for the Arts. Kurin has received awards, including the Smithsonian Institution's Secretary's Gold Medal and the National Humanities Medal, for his work in promoting cultural understanding and preserving cultural heritage. His contributions have been acknowledged by prominent figures, including Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Madeleine Albright.

● Selected Works

Kurin has authored several books and articles on topics related to anthropology, museum studies, and cultural heritage preservation. His notable works include Reflections of a Culture Broker: A View from the Smithsonian, which explores the role of museums in promoting cultural understanding and preserving cultural heritage. Kurin has also edited volumes, such as Smithsonian Folklife Cookbook, which showcases the culinary traditions of various Asian Pacific American communities. His writings have been influenced by the works of James Clifford, George Marcus, and Renato Rosaldo.

● Personal Life

Kurin is married to Mary Kurin, and they have two children, Emily Kurin and Benjamin Kurin. He is an avid collector of Asian art and folk music recordings, with a particular interest in the music of India and Pakistan. Kurin has served on the boards of various organizations, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Museum of the American Indian, and Folklife Festival. His personal interests and hobbies reflect his passion for cultural diversity and preserving cultural heritage, which is evident in his work with institutions such as the Library of Congress and National Archives and Records Administration.