After 16 years — the last 12 years as executive director — Cindy Gresser retired from the Museum of Indigenous People (MIP) in mid-June and will be relocating to Tucson to be near family members.
MIP Board of Trustees President Barbara Karkula said Gresser had left the museum in good shape, and that Assistant Director Manuel Lucero had been promoted to the executive director position. He had been assistant director the past four years.
Lucero said he will continue pursuit of the mission statement written by Gresser 16 years ago — “to instill understanding and respect for the indigenous culture of the Southwest.”
During her museum career, Gresser emphasized that MIP focus on sharing information about pre-historical, historic and contemporary examples of Indian culture and creativity from not just the Southwest but also the United States, Canada and northern Mexico. Presentations frequently are directed toward students, especially those in lower grades. Tours, lectures and hands-on activities characterized such educational experiences.
Located at 147 N. Arizona Ave. in a stone building listed on the National Register of Historic Places, MIP is open Monday through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.
