Science Museum Trends
December 13, 2013
Hosted by Carol Bossert
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Guest Information
Episode Description
In recent shows we’ve talked about museums in terms of human emotions and personalities. So is it possible for a museum to have a mid-life crisis? Science centers with their emphasis on hands-on experimentation emerged on the museum scene in the 1970s. These institutions grew rapidly, many anchoring city revitalization efforts. Science centers espoused an almost anti-museum sentiment, creating visitor experiences based on phenomena rather than collections. Science centers distinguished themselves by their approach to visitor engagement and their use of technology. But today, many museums employ these same techniques. So what distinguishes science centers today? Where do they fit into the cultural landscape and how are they remaining relevant? This week’s guest Alan J. Friedman, Ph.D. will address these questions and more.
The Museum Life
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Museums attract millions of visitors and employ thousands. The Museum Life, hosted by Carol Bossert, charts the growth and development of this cultural business. Museum Life showcases leaders in the field who provide perspective on current issue as well as creative thinkers who are impacting the future of museums.
Carol Bossert
Carol Bossert loves museums. She has spent her career working in and for these important cultural organizations that include traditional collection-based museums, science centers, national parks and visitor centers.
In addition to hosting Museum Life, Carol Bossert maintains an active consulting practice to help cultural institutions, government agencies and corporations engage with their communities through exhibitions and place-based experiences. Her clients include Smithsonian Institution, National Park Service, Great Lakes Science Center, International Spy Museum, North Carolina Museum of Natural History, and international clients in China, Mexico and Saudi Arabia. Learn more at http://carolbossertservices.com/.
Carol Bossert holds a doctoral degree in biology from the University of Texas-Dallas and a Bachelors of Arts degree in Zoology from DePauw University. She is a graduate of the J. Paul Getty Museum Management Institute and has served professional organizations such as the American Alliance of Museums and National Science Foundation. She is also a member of The Museum Group, an organization of senior professionals in museum practice and Praxis Museum Exhibit Group.
She blogs about museum and civic issues http://carolbossertservices.com/blog/.
