We would like to draw your attention to the following session at the annual GSA meeting, November 4-7, 2018 in Indianapolis, IN. Please consider submitting a proposal.

 

T86. Making the case for collections: how institutions are using real objects to engage the public, solve problems, and save the world.

http://community.geosociety.org/gsa2018/science-careers/sessions/topical

 

Description

As humans produce more of everything, competition for physical space becomes ever more intense. This session will highlight how institutions and individuals are ensuring that resource-consuming natural history collections continue to be viewed as relevant.

 

Rationale

Museums and institutions that preserve collections continually fight – sometimes successfully and sometimes unsuccessfully – to hold space for real objects. Though the majority of specimens aren’t seen by the public, collections advocates must convince audiences that the mission to preserve collections for the future is a worthwhile pursuit. As public funding for museums becomes more competitive, this can seem like a herculean task.

Fortunately, museum professionals and collection advocates are up to the challenge. With this session we hope to give scientists and educators a forum to share some of the most successful and creative ways that they’re using programming, public digs, research, exhibits, online content and more to highlight real objects.

 

Abstract deadline

11:59 p.m., Pacific Time, 14 August 2018

 

Invited Speakers

Phillip Manning

Victoria Egerton

 

Conveners

Peggy Fisherkeller (Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites)

Dallas Evans (The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis)

 

 

 

Peggy Fisherkeller

Curator of Geology

Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites

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p: 317-232-7172

 

650 West Washington Street

Indianapolis, IN 46204

www.indianamuseum.org