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Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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Well, keeping track of this discussion using digest form is really
hard!


Some thoughts,

I myself am deeply disturbed by what was stated in the article(s). One
wonders if there are "almost all science but not quite centers." 

Just some thoughts as to why this issue concerns me and why I believe
it impacts all of us. 

A couple of years back an AAM study that showed museums (science
centers included) are one of the most trusted institutions by the
general public.  I am sure this has been generated for a variety of
reasons not the least that the public perceives us standing above the
fray, dealing with facts, and the most logical prevailing theories that
have stood up to the scientific process to this point.

The fact that institutions may be editing content on cultural, and
which in our society is now deeply intertwined (certainly by the press)
into political values and beliefs, tears at this very trust.  The lack
of candor or what to believe brought on by the press, ads, "reality tv,"
ad nauseam fills our society and now we may be putting to the test
whether what we do will not fall into this category as well.

It is acts like this that may in fact lead to visitors questioning are
we telling them the whole story of science or just the easy to
tell/fund/ parts. In addition it invites undue impact on content by
others due to the above mentioned intertwining. Because if one science
center can do it why can't my local one do it here in New Jersey.
Minnesota or Massachusetts. 

Although we have historically always said in this field that we don't
compete against each other this doesn't mean that the brand known as
"science centers" can't be damaged by organization not geographically
close to one another.  In fact in marketing terms I have always know a
"brand" is a "promise" to the consumer. Therefore one can wonder how
others actions impact the "promise" of "science center."

I have come to believe that as trusted organizations we have much more
power than we have used because we can't seem to organize or galvanize
over issues. If we regularly addressed issues head on then our public
would know not only are we to be trusted but we are places where issues
are addressed. Then including evolution could be part of that fabric.

Today we face,  a series of issues that bring together not just
residents of the US, but residents of the globe.  I think the energy of
this discussion thread points out that if we as individual organizations
come together, and  in addition ask our professional organizations
(ASTC, AAM, for example because aren't they intended to serve our
needs?) ) to do so we could make an impact on some of these issues. I
think we do need to do it together in order to support each other and to
make the impact that I believe we can make.

Wayne



Wayne J LaBar
Vice President, Exhibitions and Theaters
Liberty Science Center
251 Phillip Street
Liberty State Park
Jersey City, NJ 07305

voice: 201.451.0006 x-347
fax: 201.451.7046

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