The Kelsey Prize for Excellence in Archaeological Research and Interpretation was developed in 2021 by the Kelsey Museum Education Department. Open to undergraduates at UM-Ann Arbor, UM-Dearborn, and UM-Flint, the competition invites students to explore and discover the stories behind the objects at the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology through essays, artworks, research posters, or other formats.
This year—the second year of the annual competition—three students were selected to receive the Kelsey Prize. Their submissions demonstrated careful research and thoughtful interpretation of the museum’s archaeological collections.
The winners will be honored in an award ceremony at Newberry Hall (434 S. State Street) on Monday, April 3, from 2:30 to 3:30 PM.
Meet the Winners
- Nora Meadows is a second-year student at the Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design. A 3D artist who works primarily with ceramics and metal, Nora is pursuing a BA in fine arts.
- Araceli Rizzo, a fourth-year student, studies classical archaeology with a minor in ancient Greek. She is currently working on her senior thesis and will attend graduate school next year.
- Madeleine Wren majors in history and political science as a first-year student. She hopes to apply her passion for examining historical injustice to a career in civil rights law.
More information on the winners can be found here. In addition, an exhibition featuring objects relating to the students’ projects is available for viewing on the first floor of the Kelsey Museum.
