The University of Haifa awarded Professor Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett of POLIN Museum and New York University with an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree (Honoris Causa). On behalf of the University Board, Prof. Ron Robin, President of the Board, and Prof. Gustavo Mesch, the University Rector, has passed the joyful news to us.
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Prof. Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett, fot. M. Starowieyska / Muzeum Historii Żydów Polskich
To quote excerpts from a letter addressed to the award winner: "This fitting tribute is in recognition of your standing in the research community as an original and gifted researcher whose multidisciplinary and groundbreaking work has influenced many fields such as anthropology, folklore, and Jewish studies […]. This honor also comes in appreciation of your creativity in combining solid and innovative academic research with professional work in the field of culture production, culminating in your role in leading the establishment of the permanent exhibition at POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw."
Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett, Professor of New York University, is a cultural anthropologist and researcher in contemporary museology. In 2002, she joined the team working on the POLIN Museum exposition. Initially cooperating as a permanent consultant, she became the head of the Museum programming team and subsequently the Progamming Director of the exposition. Today, Professor Kirschenblatt-Gimblett is the Chief Curator of the POLIN Museum core exhibition.
"This prestigious title is awarded to the very few most distinguished scholars," says Dariusz Stola, Director of POLIN Museum. "Thrilled to hear the news, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Professor Kirshenblatt-Gimblett!"