To the editor:

Many people try to keep close tabs on their families. But after a few generations, family members and traditions are forgotten. Can you recall the name of your great-great-great-grandpa? Our family history and cultures change constantly. Little trivial things are forgotten and, over time, even my relatives eventually failed to carry on our culture. Hundreds of years ago, my relatives lived lives that I could only understand by researching. The only way for me to look back on them is to read or visit a museum.

I was appalled when I read the article on the KU Anthropology Museum’s closing. I understand the budget cuts the university is going through, but I cannot believe they would close such an asset to the community. Most people can trace their immediate relatives, but do not research their ancient ones. By touring the anthropology museum we can research what type of food they ate, what religions they worshiped and what type of homes they made. Religions can find out how their idols lived and archaeology could someday prove they truly existed. There are wonderful exhibits that can teach the public about our relatives from as far back as 2 million years ago.

I find it sad that Kansas once outlawed the teaching of evolution in public schools and now the top university in Kansas is closing its museum that gives the public the same information. Is this the type of message we want to send to our children and neighboring states?

Jessica Brumm,

Lawrence