Kan, Michael, 1933-2025

The Chief Curator records consist of the files and records documenting the activities of the Chief Curators of the Brooklyn Museum between 1969 and 2002. Types of documents include: correspondence, inner office memos, exhibition planning, collection policies, and meeting minutes.

Correspondence with individuals, institutions regarding Culin and Southwest collections, including research; reviewing objects; exhibitions; publication and conservation projects. Departmental reports: July-August 1969; January 1970; February 1970.

Principal respondent: Kan, Michael. Correspondence and memos regarding loans; Navajo Blanket exhibition; Duplan Corp donation; return of Mayan stela to Guatemala; proposed exchange with A.B. Martin and E. Erickson; Dogon exhibition; publication of Culin manuscripts; installations; Mayan and Precolumbian models.

Memos regarding meetings; agendas; appointment of Assistant Director for Curatorial Affairs (M. Kan); C. Wilkinson retirement. Funds available for acquisitions.

Principal respondent: Kan, Michael. Correspondence and memos regarding carbon 14 (C14) testing; gifts; Jaffe contribution; installations; loans; Mayan stela.

Principal respondent: Kan, Michael. Correspondence and memos regarding contributions; interns; loans; Tamara Northern Dogon C14 dating project; proposed exchange with Linden Museum, Stuttgart.

Principal respondent: Kan, Michael. Correspondence regarding loan requests; Oceanic gallery.

Principal respondent: Easby, Elizabeth. Letter of resignation, Jane P. Rosenthal. Correspondence and memos regarding publication of Culin journals; appointment of Michael Kan; installation of Oceanic Gallery; staff.

Correspondence with Director's Office regarding purchases; gifts; loans; Charles Diker Collection of Oriental, primitive and decorative art; proposed Blum Gallery African exhibition; Black outreach program: "Simpson Project," and its applicability to the Department of Primitive Art. Includes press release for Afro-Asian festival at BAM (1971); memo from Covington Hardee, Chairman, Governing Committee regarding means for channeling staff grievances.

Correspondence regarding exhibition catalog and loans with Abbey Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Collection; Museum of Primitive Art; Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center; New Orleans Museum of Art; Fine Arts Gallery of San Diego; Museum of Folk Art. Includes drafts of catalog; bibliography; article.