Watson said she believes "it is important formuseums like the Peabody to reach out to theHarvard community, the Boston community and beyondto make people aware of the rich heritage ofcultures and societies that are very differentfrom their own."

Watson noted the success of the Museum'scultural outreach program for K-12 students in thearea, a joint project with several other Harvardmuseums. The new director said to improve theoutreach programs, she has "great hopes for aseries of new, exciting teacher training programsin the future."

Pilbeam emphasized the appropriateness of thegift, noting that William Howells "is anextraordinarily distinguished scholar and has hada major impact on his field."

Pilbeam said Howells "feels very fortunate tobe able [to give this gift]" and to have Watson inthe new position.

Watson said the Peabody is "a great store ofhistory and of memory" whose fundamental goals are"communicating other ways of thinking, of seeing,of believing."

"It is an important place and I am very happyto be attached to it," she said