Carol-

As a quick and unadulterated response to this, I'd like to vouch for and ask that folks at MoMS take a listen to one of my most-favoritest radio programs of all time: RadioLab out of WNYC - New York Public Radio.  I have the good fortune of being able to catch it here on occasion through Chicago Public Radio, but anyone could go onto the website at Radiolab.org to listen to it.  I vouch for this program for several reasons: rarely do I hear the sciences - mainly physics, biology, neuroscience, and psychology, with plenty of other 'fields' tossed in - held up as one of the best tools to answer humanistic questions.  In fact, I'd actually venture to say that I find more of my own questions about the experience of being human, and how I can perceive and/or what my limitations of perception are, shared by some of the most incredible scientists interviewed in this phenomenal series.  Mostly, though, I've been affirmed in that the creator and co-host of the show - Jad Abumrad, whom is a classically trained musician and has both an incredible artistic sensibility and humanist's soul - recently won a MacArthur Genius Award.  I feel affirmed because the genius of this show is to point out, exactly, how incredibly astonishing the world is for us and for those who ask the questions.  It's this incredible burst of curiosity to know that defines the science in this show and I'd challenge anyone who has spent but a few moments listening to Oliver Sacks or Richard Holmes or Neil deGrasse Tyson talk with Jad or Robert not to be moved in the most human ways.  The point of all of this is to say - in response to this sentence: "Natural science exhibits that show man’s place in nature and an awareness of the world around us could be really engaging" -  yes, yes, unabashedly yes, it can and is engaging and I think it would behoove anyone considering how and what to include in such an exhibit to know that there are good, no scratch that, excellent models for engaging science topics.  Although I can't be at the meeting in St Petersburg, I would say that any potential exhibition think about the ways in which a scientist wonders and wanders about the world they inhabit and how beautifully human they are in the process.  That's the real beauty of that show and something I hope this direction would deliver, at least in spirit.

 

On Wed, Oct 26, 2011 at 10:12 AM, Harsh, Carol <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

Hi all,

 

This past summer, the National Museum of Natural History approached SITES about working with them to develop some science/humanities exhibitions for the MoMS program.  The idea is to seek significant funding through the National Science Foundation to enable us to develop an extensive program of exhibits that blend the sciences and the humanities and target small museums and nature centers.  For lack of a better name, we are calling this initiative “Science MoMS”.

 

Overlaying the humanities in this effort is critical.  Public discourse and ethical oversight about science issues is an important role that councils often play.  Natural science exhibits that show man’s place in nature and an awareness of the world around us could be really engaging.  We envision that councils could partner with statewide natural history museums and even state agencies like the Department of Fish and Wildlife to seek additional funding for statewide tours. 

 

Science MoMS exhibitions could address the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) deficiencies in schools in many small communities across the country. Standing outside traditional educational systems, we believe that the Smithsonian and state humanities councils can play a vital role in inspiring learning

 

I have talked with directors from a few council to seek their guidance, and received an enthusiastic response.  We are convening a brainstorming session at the Federation’s conference next week in St. Petersburg, on Thursday, November 3 at 3:00 in the Plaza D room at the conference hotel.  We would love for any and all of you who may be going to the conference to join us.  If you are not planning to go to the conference please pass this information along to others from your council who may like to attend this discussion. We will explore some exhibit ideas, partnership arrangements, and even funding possibilities.

 

This is an exciting proposition that could broaden the reach of the MoMS program and we want your input and insights so that we step off in the right direction. 

 

Please let me know if you will be able to join us on November 3 so that we can plan appropriately.

 

Carol

 

Carol G. Harsh

Director, Museum on Main Street

Smithsonian Institution, SITES

202-633-5333

202-465-5267 (cell)

202-633-5344 (fax)

 




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