Dr. Van Tuerenhout has been a curator of anthropology for the Museum since 1999. He earned Master’s degrees in ancient history, as well as art history and archaeology, both from the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium. He also holds a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. in anthropology from Tulane University.

Together with his colleagues, he takes care of the museum’s human-made artifacts, both those in storage and on display. He has worked on permanent and temporary exhibits. Among the former is the renovated John P. McGovern Hall of the Americas, which opened to the public in 2022. The central message of this exhibit is one that Indigenous people want all of us to know: “We were here. We are still here.” Collaboration with Indigenous advisors resulted in a respectful representation of Indigenous cultures, past and present. Belongings, video materials, as well as photos and dioramas, immerse visitors in the experiences of the people who have inhabited this part of the world since time immemorial. Ongoing collaboration with Indigenous advisors ensures that this Hall of the Americas is a living hall, and that the voices of those who are still here continue to be heard.

Join anthropologist and curator Dr. Dirk Van Tuerenhout and explore this War and Peace chapter in Mesoamerican history.

Reimagined with an updated message – “We were here. We are still here.” – the hall aims to elevate the Indigenous voices from Tribes and Nations in North, Central, and South America. HMNS is grateful for the support and guidance we receive from Indigenous advisors as we maintain this living exhibit.