Who Was C.E. Smith?
Anthropology Museum Named for Dr. Clarence E. Smith
Dr. Clarence E. Smith - known as “Smitty” - was the founding curator of the campus’ first Anthropology Museum, which was later renamed to honor his achievements. He was a professor of Anthropology at CSUH from 1964 until his untimely death in 1975. Under the direction of pioneer anthropologist Dr. Alfred L. Kroeber, Smitty had received his Ph.D. in Anthropology from UC Berkeley in 1950. Later, as the Director of the Palm Springs Desert Museum he transformed an unknown collection into an extensive museum. At Cal State, Dr. Smith established courses in Museology, chartering the museum in 1974, and laying down its basic principles. Not content with static displays, Smith envisioned a museum coordinating the teaching goals of many disciplines, and representing the multi-cultural traditions of the East Bay from its beginnings until present. His concept of a teaching museum is still evident in the museum today.
Clarence Smith was an original member of the campus’ Anthropology Department. In 1975, the C.E. Smith Anthropology Museum was dedicated to his memory. In the yearbook photo to the right, Smith meets with student members of the CSUH Anthropology Club in the mid-1960s.