Cultural Heritage Department (National Museums of Kenya)

The Cultural Heritage Department is one of the oldest Research Departments of National Museums of Kenya. Previously called Ethnography, the department came into existence in 1970, headed by Anthropologist Jean Brown, to whom a number of the Museum's outstanding collections are credited. At the time, the department was mainly engaged in conservation of material culture. Today, in addition to collection, documentation and conservation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage, the department undertakes research on various socio-cultural and environmental issues.

Over time, the department has expanded in its structure and its functions; the Cultures and History section consists of five units namely: Anthropology, Linguistics, History, Curation, and Documentation and information management. A complimentary Art section consisting of Contemporary Art, Art History, Curation and Documentation is planned. The department maintains close links and collaboration with the local communities and partners in fulfilling its vision and mission.

The Cultural Heritage Department is involved in key activities such as field expeditions to research and collect information from both rural and urban communities on their practices, beliefs, indigenous knowledge and histories. Conservation of tangible (material culture) and intangible (oral narratives, music etc.) heritage of the communities for posterity.

Documentation and dissemination of heritage information through organized private and/or public lectures, publications, and conference/workshop presentations.