In the early 2000s, the museum became a partner in a visual anthropology research project run by the University of Florida, which trained museum staff in film-making and enabled them to continue work documenting intangible culture in the state.[15] In 2013 the museum undertook surveys to see if an open-air archaeological exhibit could become part of the museum.[16] In 2018 the museum and Kosrae Historic Preservation Office partnered on a research partnership to explore how virtual reality models of the archaeological heritage of the islands could engage with stakeholders and members of the Kosraean diaspora.[17]