Muriel Christison

Muriel Christison joined Krannert Art Museum (KAM) in 1962 as an associate director and later became director, serving until 1982. Under her directorship, collectors Harlan E. and Theresa E. Moore (namesakes of the Moore Gallery) made their initial donation of 300 objects composed of primarily 18th- and 19th-century European and American ceramics and glass. In 1964, Christison founded Friends of KAM, a volunteer organization to support the museum’s educational programs, events, and outreach. Now called KAM Council, the organization continues to thrive today. Past council president Miriam Iben stated, “Christison’s founding of the council realized the need for an active volunteer support group and opened the museum and its vast collection to the public in a way paid staff could not.”