Warner, NH - April 14, 2008 - One of the most significant collections of New Hampshire’s prehistoric archaeological artifacts has a new home.  Probate Court appointed Receiver Todd Fahey, Attorney at Orr & Reno in Concord, named Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum the successor to the Sargent Museum after an exhaustive review of potential candidates.  This decision, made in concert with the Attorney General’s Division of Charitable Trusts, took almost two years to finalize.  MKIM has begun the task of integrating the artifacts, documented by field notes and journals, into its own holdings of primarily historic Native American artifacts.  According to Executive Director Krista Katz, “This is a very exciting time for the museum and we are honored by the confidence shown in us by the state.”

The Sargent Collection is widely recognized for the duration, depth, and breadth of New Hampshire prehistory which it represents.  One million artifacts bear witness to over 12,000 years of indigenous habitation as documented through the systematic excavation of 66 sites across the state.  According to Richard Boisvert, New Hampshire’s State Archaeologist and an MKIM Trustee, “The Sargent Collection contains some of the most important artifact assemblages excavated from New Hampshire, many from sites long destroyed by development.  Howard Sargent’s legacy will live on under the stewardship of Mt Kearsarge Indian Museum.  I and many other archaeologists look forward to working with the research collections as well as seeing exhibits on display at the Museum.”  In addition, an extensive library has been transferred to MKIM. 

Howard Sargent, an MKIM Incorporator and founding Trustee, had a lifelong dream to create a museum that would share with the public the artifacts he excavated during his long career, a career that was cut short by his sudden death in 1993.  MKIM is pleased to announce the election of a trustee and a special advisor to assist with the fulfillment of this dream.  Mark Greenly, an officer of the New Hampshire Archeological Society who participated in the recent comprehensive inventory of the Sargent Collection, has joined the Board.  John “Babe” Sargent, brother of Howard, has been appointed Special Advisor to the Sargent Collection.  Both will serve as members of the Sargent Collection Advisors Group.  The other members are: Richard Boisvert, PhD, New Hampshire State Archaeologist; Malinda S. Blustain, Director, Robert S. Peabody Museum of Archaeology; Aurore Eaton, Interim Executive Director, Manchester Historic Association; Marylou Ashooh Lazos, Curator of Museum Collections, Manchester Historic Association; and Krista Katz, MS, Executive Director of Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum.  MKIM has entered into a formal collaboration agreement regarding the cataloguing process and the creation of a traveling exhibit with the Manchester Historic Association. In addition, MKIM will collaborate with the New Hampshire Archeological Society and the Robert S. Peabody Museum of Archaeology in Andover, MA.

MKIM seeks to promote understanding of prehistoric and historic North American Indian art forms while recognizing and encouraging contemporary artists.  For its 18th season the museum has scheduled two exhibitions to meet these goals.  First, the traveling exhibition Made of Thunder, Made of Glass: American Indian Beadwork of the Northeast will be on display May 1 through November 30, 2008.  Next, MKIM will proudly unveil New Hampshire Firsts: The Native American Archaeology of Howard Sargent, opening September 19, 2008 to showcase significant finds of the Sargent collection.  Information on the discipline of archaeology and on Sargent’s career will be featured as MKIM celebrates its selection as steward of this important collection.  The museum seeks to give the people of New Hampshire access to the Sargent Collection to better appreciate and take pride in the vast history that lies beneath their feet. 

MKIM, located on Kearsarge Mountain Road in Warner, is dedicated to connecting people with 12,000 years of ongoing American Indian cultural expression.  The organization embraces cultural diversity and encourages responsible environmental action based on respect for nature.  For more information, call (603) 456-2600 or visit the museum’s website, www.indianmuseum.org.