Adeline Newmann, MFA’s Post

The American Museum of Natural History's Museum Education Experience Program (MEEP) launched its Spring cohort. College youth learn how to be floor facilitators and have science conversations with visitors. To begin their preparation, we start with discussing foundational ideas of learning, considering visitor behaviors and getting aquainted with current understandings of visitor flow from evaluation. To learn more about what else we cover, check out the article that goes into detail. https://lnkd.in/girFZ8xa

Most museum collections are in storage. But when did these objects start being considered as 'reserve collections' or the problem of 'too much stuff' rather than as actively-used study collections? In the latest volume of Artefacts I trace how ideas of collections use changed over the 20th century, and offer some thoughts as to how even ubiquitous or generic items (the sort that often sit overlooked on storeroom shelves) might spark research questions. Yes, even this boring-looking black box voltmeter has potential. In another chapter, Sam Alberti, James Inglis, Louis Volkmer and I look at who's actually publishing research on science and technology collections, and where. Artefacts Volume 13, 'Understanding Use: Objects in Museums of Science and Technology' is available open-access. https://lnkd.in/eHynQYxT Thanks to Tim Boon, Liz Haines, Arnaud Dubois, Kate Steiner and the Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press team! #museummonday #museums #collections #storage #history #histSTM #research #openaccess

Deep interaction with Science, Technology and American History enriched by visiting The Museum of Science and Technology, Historical Monuments in Boston-MA.This was my best practical experience. Extraordinary for my education.

How might we reimagine new forms of museum collaborative research for public value? 🏛 ASSEMBLY is a national research development project we are conducting in collaboration with The Australian National University and Monash University. The project aims to foster a deeper integration of research within museum practice, enhancing their educational role and expanding their impact on communities. Examining why we need to change? What should we change? How must we go about changing? Discover more about the project here: t.ly/PylL8

In the Natural History Museum in London, there is a 5m wide slice from a giant redwood. Its rings chart the 1,300-year life of this 101m tree till it was felled in 1891. Although its roots do not go down that deep (one to two meters on average) they spread as much as 30 meters in all directions. Why? Well, the giant redwood grows where there's plenty of surface water, it doesn't need to tap into deeper water supplies. It needs to capture as much as it can. The Shepherd’s Tree, found in the Kalahari Desert, has roots that go 𝟳𝟬𝗺 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽! And yet it only grows up to 10m tall. So while the expression in the image isn't accurate, it still points to truth. The taller we grow and the tougher the situations we face, the more we need resources and relationships to support us. ----------------------------------------- Enjoyed this? 🔄 Share with your network so they can benefit. 👣 And follow me for more sketchy ideas on creativity and critical thinking.

Interesting thoughts on Technical Art History in general, and more specific also on making reconstructions, by Erma Hermens.

The senior officials of Debre Tabor University recently undertook a comprehensive observation and held a detailed discussion concerning the state of the university's General Museum and the Begemdir Archives Center. These institutions operate under the auspices of the Directorate of Cultural Research and Development. On December 21, 2017, the university’s leadership convened to assess the current condition of these cultural repositories and deliberated on strategies to enhance their functionality. During the discussions, the officials emphasized their commitment to supporting the museum and archives center in their mission to preserve and showcase the rich heritage of the institution. They also highlighted the importance of making these resources accessible for research and public engagement, signaling their intent to foster greater academic and cultural exploration.

'Team Pigment' colleagues are now unearthing more of the stories hidden beneath the surface of Durham’s medieval manuscripts, thanks to £400,000 from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Capability for Collections Fund (CapCo). AHRC-CapCo funding helps research institutes and universities renew and improve their facilities for collections-led research, focusing on conservation and heritage science facilities, digital capture equipment and specialist study spaces; ensuring UK researchers and innovators have use of world class laboratories, equipment and digital resources.  Funding awarded to ‘Team Pigment’ (Tony King and Andy Beeby) between 2020 and 2021 has enabled the Durham Library and Collections facilities to obtain new state-of-the-art optical analysis equipment. Durham's 'Team Pigment' have consequently made a leap in the level of detail with which they can analyse the components used to produce illuminated manuscripts. This knowledge sheds light not only on how individual manuscripts were produced, but also on the availability of the materials used to paint them and therefore the evolution of international trade networks. The work is invaluable to historians exploring cultural, social and economic development between the 7th and 15th centuries. 👉 A new book, ‘The Pigments of British Medieval Illuminators: a scientific and cultural study’ was published last year, sharing some of this new data.  This publication documents the analysis of over 400 medieval books held at Durham and elsewhere, and includes some of the most historically significant historical manuscripts in the UK. 👉 Read our earlier post about the work of ‘Team Pigment’, here: https://lnkd.in/dK5uCVjK #transformativehumanities #creativitycultureheritage  #sciencehumanities #History  #Interdisciplinary  #Science #spectroscopy #imaging #chemistry #LibraryandCollections Tony King  Andy Beeby Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)

Museums aren't just repositories of artifacts for display; their vast collections fuel scientific research, education, and public outreach. Preserving and cataloging these collections comes with its own set of challenges, including funding, staffing, and space. MSU Museum is embracing new technologies to digitize their collections, making them more accessible for everyone. What are your thoughts on the importance of museum collections? Read more on Michigan State University's vast collections: https://lnkd.in/gN3uYtWa

We’re delighted to share Coastwatch's upcoming event, unveiling the 1st Survey Results on Marine Litter. This event will bring together experts, stakeholders, and dedicated volunteers to discuss findings and explore actionable solutions for tackling marine litter in Ireland.     The event includes:    🍴 Lunch & Launch by Minister Ossian Smyth at the TCD Pavilion, starting at 1:00 PM.  🐚 Workshop at the M17 Museum Building, where survey insights will be analysed, fostering collaborative discussions on impactful solutions for cleaner coasts.    The Coastwatch Survey, a flagship initiative since 1987, leverages the power of citizen science, gathering vital data on coastal conditions across Ireland and Europe. The data is collected by hundreds of volunteers participating every year in the Coastwatch Survey, giving their time and energy for free. By combining volunteer observations with modern tools like GIS and water testing, this survey paints a crucial picture of our coastal environment. Thanks to the Coastwatch ( Irish Coastal Environment Group - Coastwatch) for the Irish Survey.    Event Details:     📅 November 21, 2024  🕐 1:00 – 3:45 PM  📍 TCD Pavilion & M17 Museum Building, Trinity College Dublin  🎟️ The event is free but ticketed – so make sure to secure your spot  https://lnkd.in/eRK6zX78   Don't miss the chance to contribute to this important conversation and help pave the way for a sustainable marine future!     #MarineLitter #CitizenScience #EnvironmentalAction #CoastalSurvey Zero Pollution: Karin Dubsky, Bernie Connolly, Eoin Dubsky from Coastwatch, more4nature coordinator Uta Wehn, and partners Earthwatch Europe, IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, Polish Smog Alert, NILU, The Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), RIVM National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, VITO, and Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia    Seas At Risk