The GLBT museum was incredible! What a strong, specific collection with effective object-first storytelling in the exhibit.

I wanted to point out some of my favorite pieces, which highlight resources that built community. I love seeing how the queer community shows up for each other, and always has. The GLBT museum felt like an institution that has and will continue to be plugged into the community, a constantly evolving reflection of the people around it. When we compare this to the Exploratorium, which is taking strong steps to expand their connections to the community, it highlights the importance of a strong foundation. In the words of Aabria Iyengar (a rpg micro-celebrity who I enjoy), “you don’t have to get ready if you stay ready.” Growing pains are less noticeable when you’re growing with the community around you.

That being said, I think the work the Exploratorium is doing to reach out to the local communities is exciting and important. Science should belong to everyone, and wonder can have such an impact in learning environments! I can’t overstate how excited I was to see the giant bubble station, which was one of my earliest memories of hands-on science exploration. It is a true shame that these experiences have long been exclusive and limited in scope (in many/all science institutions, not just the Exploratorium!).

We talk a lot about community building in museums, but we’re often not doing any of the actual building. Just because a museum fails to reflect the community, doesn’t mean that community doesn’t exist. More often, (especially with science centers) the museum is coming into an established space as an outsider. I think Sal spoke on this well, talking about trusting community partners and constantly reevaluating our impact and improving. They acknowledged that improvements will never be perfect, but we have to move forward anyway. When the institution has not been a community player from the beginning (or only a player in exclusive communities), we must consider it an honor for us to be joining the community, not a favor that we provide.

I’m pumped to get started on our own projects, and see what work we can do as guests in the WNP community!