The Smithsonian Voices of Discovery program takes the human component of the Institution - researchers, scientists, curators, program directors, collections managers and other museum professionals - beyond Washington D.C. to share the Smithsonian's "living treasures" with the nation. The Smithsonian Associates (TSA) is pleased to bring the Voices of Discovery program to Affiliate Museums. TSA works with each Museum to determine the format, speakers and topics, tailoring programming to its needs, strengths, and interests.

A sample program might include a speaker in a community, for several days. During the visit, the speaker could be involved with the community in a number of ways, for example: make presentations to school groups, lead a teacher in-service workshop, talk informally with docents/volunteers over a brown bag lunch at a local museum, be the guest of honor at a reception, give media interviews on behalf of the Smithsonian, conduct public presentations, or participate in a panel discussion with local professionals.

Costs for a Smithsonian Voices of Discovery program depend on the format, size and length of the program. The fee for a typical two-day program with one speaker may range between $3,000 - $40,000.

PROGRAM DESIGN

The Regional Programs staff of The Smithsonian Associates tailors each Voices of Discovery program to the needs and interests of the host city.

Voices programs range in length and format from one-day seminars to two-week long series - consisting of lectures, workshops and/or panel discussions presented by Smithsonian scholars to audiences ranging from elementary school-age children to senior citizens.

Selected in consultation with the organizations hosting events, each participating scholar fulfills the following criteria: 1.) is able to cast research in lively presentations and a variety of formats, 2.) can translate his/her field of knowledge into meaningful terms for both broad and specialized audiences, and 3.) can answer a wide array of questions about the Smithsonian in public settings. Consideration is also given to scholars who can serve as role models for young people who have yet to imagine careers in museums and research.

PROGRAM EXAMPLES

Smithsonian "Spiders" Exhibit at Blackhawk Museum

The Blackhawk Museum in Danville, CA contracted with The Smithsonian Associates (TSA) for two programs to complement their Smithsonian "Spiders" exhibit. TSA engaged two speakers, arranged the travel, and collaborated on program content with Blackhawk.

In spring 2002, Nathan Erwin, Manager of the Insect Zoo at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History gave an evening presentation for adults and one presentation for elementary schoolers on "An Insect's Secret Garden." Nora Wagner, Program Director for Blackhawk, summed up the program: "Mr. Irwin was fantastic!!! He certainly knows how to reach kids in an interesting and interactive manner. His material was fascinating! Thank you very much for all the coordination of this outstanding program"

In fall 2001, Jonathan Coddington, Curator with the Department of Systematic Biology, National Museum of Natural History who curated the "Spiders" exhibit, presented a talk entitled "Spiders; Sex, Silk and Poison," to an adult audience. He also conducted an opening session and then three workshops for 140 middle and high school students who rotated in small groups among Dr. Coddington and two other activities arranged by Blackhawk in conjunction with the "Spiders" exhibit.

Smithsonian "Naboo: Art of the Starfighter" exhibit at Mid-American Science Museum

The Mid-American Science Museum in Hot Springs, AR asked The Smithsonian Associates (TSA) for a program during their run of "Naboo: Art of the Starfighter." TSA again engaged the speakers, arranged the travel, and collaborated on program content with Mid-America.

On July, 2002, Mary Henderson, former Chairman, Department of Art and Culture, National Air and Space Museum and curator of the Star Wars exhibit, "The Magic of Myth," gave a presentation about the mythology of the original Star Wars trilogy. 100 attendees learned about the major elements in mythological stories and how the Star Wars movies used three elements to advantage. Glenda Eshenroder, Director of the Mid-America Science Museum, wrote us to say, "Everyone enjoyed Ms. Henderson's presentation. She kept the lecture lively and interesting. The Smithsonian Associates program greatly added to the Star Wars experience for our visitors. Thanks."

Smithsonian "The History and Evolution of Infectious Disease" by Dr. Donald J. Ortner

Where did disease come from and how does it affect human evolution? This forty-five minute lecture and slide presentation given by Dr. Donald J. Ortner explores the origin of disease and how it relates to the development of human civilizations. By studying the effects that leprosy, tuberculosis, and various forms of treponematosis, including syphilis, have on human bones, the history of disease can be traced throughout the ages and around the earth.