Rubie Watson, the former director of Harvard’s Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, will discuss her personal experiences in repatriating Native American objects and human remains during a public talk Thursday, Feb. 27, at 7:30 p.m. in 240 Art Building West on the University of Iowa campus.

The event is part of the UI Museum of Art’s “SmartTalk” series, featuring leaders from the world of art.

Repatriation of art and artifacts is a major issue in the museum world. As director of the Peabody Museum from 1997–2004, Watson was deeply involved in the repatriation of many Native American objects and human remains to tribal officials throughout the United States. Her talk will also provide details on the federal Native Americans Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, which underpinned her repatriation efforts.

Watson received her doctorate from the London School of Economics and has taught anthropology at the University of London, University of Pittsburgh, and Harvard. She and her husband, James Watson, a UI alumnus, retired from Harvard in 2008 and now live on a farm in western Illinois.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all UI-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, contact the UI Museum of Art in advance at 319-335-1727.