UF Museum Studies Director Glenn Willumson wins Smithsonian fellowship

September 27, 2007

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Smithsonian American Art Museum has appointed Glenn Willumson, University of Florida Museum Studies director, as a senior fellow for the 2007-2008 academic year. Only 18 other scholars have received this esteemed honor this year.

The Smithsonian American Art Museum, one of the nation’s leading centers for the study of American art, supports pre- and postdoctoral scholars in residence to conduct research on topics in American art and visual culture. The Smithsonian recognized Willumson for his outstanding work in his submitted research project, “Iron Muse: Picturing the First Transcontinental Railroad.”

Willumson is dedicated to his work in museum theory and practice at UF’s College of Fine Arts and has remained an active scholar in the college’s School of Art and Art History, where his primary interests are in the history of photography and American art.

From the Smithsonian, Willumson received a $40,000 stipend plus research and travel allowances for his work. Research resources at the museum include extensive photographic collections documenting American art and artists and unparalleled art research databases. An estimated 180,000-volume library specializing in American art, history and biography is shared with the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. An active publications program of books, catalogs and the critically acclaimed journal “American Art” complements the museum’s exhibitions and educational programs.