Founded in 1924, the Middle American Research Institute (M.A.R.I.) at Tulane University strives to promote greater understanding of the vibrant and diverse cultures of Middle America. It stewards an extensive collection of textiles, artifacts, and an archive of letters, field notes, maps, and photographs from the scores of field projects it has sponsored and continues to sponsor. We strive to make these accessible to researchers and the general public through a variety of exhibitions, workshops, and symposia.
The Middle American Research Institute is located in Dinwiddie Hall on the top floor. M.A.R.I. was established in 1924 when Samuel Zemurray, president of Cuyamel Fruit Company, acquired for Tulane a portion of the William Gates Collection and endowed the department. Since the start, M.A.R.I. has conducted archaeological expeditions and published many scholarly series. No treasures have been added to the collection since 1943, when M.A.R.I. proclaimed a policy to refrain from removal of valuable archaeological items for the countries of origin.