Press Releases

Memphis, TN – November 30, 2022Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind & The Machine Exhibit to Open at The Museum of Science & History in January

MoSH will also debut companion exhibit, Web of Innovation: AI in Memphis. 

The Museum of Science & History (MoSH) is pleased to announce that Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind & The Machine, the first traveling museum exhibit to focus on what artificial intelligence is, will open January 22 at the Central/Pink Palace location. Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind & The Machine is a touring exhibit of the Relayer Group. The exhibit is supported by gold sponsors the City of Memphis and Tennessee Valley Authority, and silver sponsor FedEx.

Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind & The Machine is designed to appeal to visitors of all ages, presenting technology in easy-to-understand terms with accessible games and hands-on interactives. In the exhibit, kids and adults explore what “smart machines” are and how they work. They will also learn that the concept of man-made intelligence has been around for thousands of years and was first popularized by Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.

“Every large company and government in the world is developing Artificial Intelligence. It’s part of every conversation about the future of education and jobs and may be the single most important technology being developed today,” says Kevin Thompson, the Executive Director of MoSH. “We want to provide our visitors with the needed insight to understand AI so that it’s real and relevant, not mysterious or frightening.  We also want to showcase how it affects future careers and link those to our local universities and employers.”

Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind & The Machine shows how the human brain goes through the process of learning, and how that is different from trying to teach a machine to “think.” Using games and puzzles, visitors can try to figure out the best solutions to simple and not-so-simple tasks. Humans learn many skills through trial-and-error and repetition, and artificial intelligence does the same thing by using math.

Visitors will get to interact with numerous examples of practical AI, including:

– What a self-driving car sees

– How computers translate stories into different languages

– An “intelligent piano player” that helps make any person sound like a virtuoso

– A real-time AI “painter,” that creates real-time images of visitors in different classical art styles

– Applications that try to guess visitors’ emotions and ages

– Many more intriguing concepts!

In addition to Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind & The Machine, the Museum has developed a companion exhibit, Web of Innovation: AI in Memphis, which will run alongside the traveling exhibit. It highlights the AI innovators that call Memphis home and the incredible advancements in AI technology that are taking place right here. Through dynamic objects, learn about some of the many achievements in the health, logistics, and research industries. As this rapidly growing technology expands in Memphis, it improves the quality of life and creates life-changing career opportunities for its citizens. This exhibit illustrates how Memphis’s technology landscape continues to change and grow in the era of AI.

During the run of Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind & The Machine, visitors can also check out the movie, Robots, an entertaining look at how robots are taught to perform human functions. A special Movies and Mixers event is planned for January 28, with a screening of Terminator 2D.

Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind & The Machine and Web of Innovation: AI in Memphis will be on exhibit at MoSH from January 22 until May 6. For more information about Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind & The Machine and Web of Innovation: AI in Memphis, visit MoshMemphis.com.

Memphis, TN – November 1, 2022The Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees Returns To the Museum of Science & History

The annual event unites Memphis in the holiday spirit and benefits Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.

The Museum of Science & History (MoSH), is pleased to announce the return of its annual Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees this holiday season. Open November 19 – December 24, the popular Memphis holiday attraction benefits Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital and is presented by Delta Dental.

Visitors are invited to explore a forest of festive and awe-inspiring trees decorated by professional designers, individuals, and local organizations. Children can marvel as miniature trains twist and turn through the snow-covered holiday village and stop by Penguin Point to see hundreds of cuddly penguins, each representing a donation to the Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. A snow-covered village of scrumptious creations awaits, with a village of cozy cottages and majestic mansions, all designed by local chefs, businesses, individuals, and groups.

“A visit to the Enchanted Forest is a fantastic way for families to kick off the holiday season while also supporting a great cause,” says Kevin Thompson, Executive Director of MoSH. “Visitors can get into the holiday spirit, pose for photos with Santa, and enjoy many of our other MoSH activities. We absolutely love continuing this classic Memphis tradition for the city, our guests, and most especially, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.”

Holiday lovers can also check out a great selection of holiday movie favorites, like Elf, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Polar Express at the Giant Screen Theater. Fans of laser light shows will be dazzled at the AutoZone Dome Planetarium at the Laser Lizzo shows.

Visitors can enjoy fun holiday activities including a String Light Untangling Contest and light workshop November 25, December 9 and 23 at 7pm, and an Ugly Holiday Sweater Decorating Contest and station December 2 and 16 at 7pm.

Refreshments are available, and the gift shop will be open. The Enchanted Forest is open from November 19 to December 24, closing for Thanksgiving Day, and Mondays and Tuesdays. Schools and groups interested in visiting the Enchanted Forest must make reservations in advance by calling the MoSH Box Office, 901-636-2362.  For full hours and to plan a visit, go to MoSHMemphis.com for more information and the entire calendar of events.

About the Enchanted Forest
The Enchanted Forest’s history dates to 1963, when it debuted at the Goldsmith’s Department store in downtown Memphis. The exhibit was modeled after Walt Disney’s “It’s a Small World” exhibit at the New York World’s Fair. In the 1990s, it merged with Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital’s Festival of Trees. The entire exhibit moved to MoSH in 2002, where the beloved tradition continues.

Memphis, TN –  September 20, 2022 –

Second Annual STEAMFest at The Museum of Science & History

Showcases STEAM Careers

The Museum of Science & History (MoSH) has announced the dates and partners for its second annual STEAMFest. The event will feature booths, presentations, and demonstrations from a wide range of community partners and STEAM leaders, with a focus on the importance of STEAM and STEAM Career paths. The 2022 STEAMFest is sponsored by the Indian Community Fund of Greater Memphis. The event is free with general admission.

Leading up to the STEAMFest event on Saturday, October 22, MoSH will feature three days of activities just for students on October 19, 20 and 21. Then, on Saturday, October 22, from 11 am to 3 pm, a host of community partners will be on hand to celebrate all things STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) and offer fun activities and demonstrations, like Pendulum Painting, Exploding Pumpkins, Balloon Zipline Races, and more. There will even be some critters visiting from Lichterman Nature Center for the day.

“STEAM subjects are not only an important element in the education of our young people, but a crucial hiring need for both Memphis businesses and nonprofits,” says Kevin Thompson, Executive Director of MoSH. “We are grateful that the business and nonprofit communities of Memphis and the surrounding area are as passionate as we are about STEAM subjects and careers and are coming together for this special week of programming for students of all ages.”

The MoSH STEAMFest is presented alongside the statewide Tennessee STEAM Festival, which runs from October 14-23 and aspires to build interest and excitement in STEAM subjects and cultivate the next generation of citizen and professional science advocates and practitioners.

Exciting exhibits and demonstration areas will give local businesses a chance to show how science and the arts play a role in everything they do, whether it’s exploring spacetime, building KNex cars, creating an MRI, or using engineering in a variety of industries. Community partners will include:

  • American Chemical Society, Memphis Local Section
  • Baptist Memorial Healthcare
  • Board to Beers
  • Christian Brothers University, including the Electrical Engineering Department and Biology Departments (Parasites)
  • City of Memphis Engineering Department
  • Lichterman Nature Center
  • Memphis Botanical Garden
  • Memphis Stormwater
  • Rhodes College Society of Physics
  • University of Memphis
    • Department of Biomedical Engineering
    • Center for Applied Earth Science and Engineering Research (CAESAR) – Water of Wheels (WOW)
    • Department of Biological Studies
    • Department of Biomedical Engineering
    • Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering – Optical Imaging Research Lab (OIRL)
    • Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI)
    • Magnetic Resonance Imaging Spectroscopy Lab (MRISL)

In addition to the STEAMFest booths, there will be food trucks on Saturday, October 22, including Muddy’s Bake Shop and Collin’s Concessions. For a full list of participating companies and their STEAM-based demonstrations, visit MoshMemphis.com.

Memphis, TN –  August 4, 2022 – Special Viewing: Wonders of the Webb Telescope Images

Museum of Science & History to host a Webb appreciation event on August 27.

The Museum of Science & History (MoSH) will be hosting an out-of-this-world event featuring the first images from the Webb Space Telescope on August 27, from 8:00 – 10:00 PM in the AutoZone Dome at the Sharpe Planetarium.

Dave Maness, Planetarium Supervisor for MoSH, is very excited to share the Webb images with the Memphis community. “The first few spectacular photos prove that Webb is working perfectly. It has already shown us things we have never seen before, from unprecedented detail in nearby nebulas, the most distant galaxies ever seen, and the presence of water in the atmosphere of a planet around another star,” he says. “Because it looks farther into the infrared, we can see galaxies billions of light years away and at an earlier stage of development. Webb has the potential to fill in the details of our universe’s distant past, and by looking at extra solar planetary systems it may even help us discover other worlds that could harbor life.”

At the Wonders of the Webb Telescope event, visitors will have the chance to view the exciting space images in the Planetarium, meet members of the Memphis Astronomical Society, enjoy space-themed activities, and observe how the Webb telescope compares to the telescopes at MoSH and to the human eye. Telescopes will be available outside of the main entrance allowing visitors to get a close look at the night sky if the weather permits. There will also be some special NASA giveaways while supplies last.

For more information, visit MoshMemphis.com.

About the AutoZone Dome at the Sharpe Planetarium
Visitors can experience the wonders of constellations, planets, black holes and space travel and learn about meteors and their impact on Earth at the AutoZone Dome at the Sharpe Planetarium.  The dome is 50 feet in diameter and reaches 32.5 feet off-of-floor. The screen area is 3, 925 square feet, making it the largest projection screen in Memphis.

Memphis, TN – July 26, 2022 –The Science of Wine Returns to the Museum of Science & History September 9

 The best of Memphis food and wine come together for a night of fine dining and wine tasting.

The Museum of Science & History (MoSH) has announced the return of their 7th annual Science of Wine event on September 9, 2022. The popular premier event offers professionally crafted wine and food pairings to ticketholders, presented by Tennessee Crown Distributing Company and MGM Resorts Foundation, and sponsored by Pinnacle Bank.

“The Science of Wine is truly a party for your palate,” says John Mullikin, Education Instructor for MoSH. “Fans of science, wine and the Memphis food scene will all experience something new, from discovering new varietals to learning about the wine making process to finding a new favorite chef. The best part is that proceeds will benefit the Museum of Science and History’s Community Engagement department, providing free and low-cost science and history education for thousands of area students.”

This 21+ event offers wine and food pairings with a side of the science. Guests will enjoy food from local restaurants and wines from vineyards from around the country while they discover which wines pair best with which foods, and why. While they sample, they can learn some of the fundamental components of the wines, including the importance of acidity, fermentation, yeast, carbon dioxide, alcohol, sugar, and tannins.

Memphis favorites will include hors d’ oeuvres from Alchemy/Salt Soy, Tonica, Chicks N Cheese, K-3 Studio Café, Maximo’s on Broad, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Owen Brennan’s, Paradox Catering, South of Beale with additional treats from J. Brooks Coffee, Tom’s Tiny Kitchen, and Wolf River Popcorn. A VIP Ticket experience is available, which includes early admission and exclusive restaurant hors d’ oeuvres. VIP restaurants include Erling Jensen, Farm & Fig, Vanelli’s Deli and Nothing Bundt Cakes.

Early Bird, General Admission and VIP Tickets are available, as well as a special price for Designated Drivers. The event is scheduled for September 9, from 6:30PM – 9:00PM, while VIP guests are invited to arrive at 6:00PM.

This is a 21+ event, and I.D. cards are required for entry. MoSH Membership holders receive additional discounts. For tickets and additional information, please visit MoshMemphis.com.

Memphis, TN – July 18, 2022 – Meet Mastodon, the New Double IPA Created by Crosstown Brewing CO and Inspired by the Museum of Science & History

The Mastodon Beer Release Party will take place at the AutoZone Dome at the Sharpe Planetarium.

The Museum of Science & History (MoSH) has teamed up with Crosstown Brewing Co. on an IPA of mammoth proportions. Crosstown Brewing Co. created their new Mastodon Double IPA India Pale Ale inspired by the mastodon featured at the Museum.

To celebrate, Crosstown Brewing Company and MoSH are co-hosting the Mastodon Beer Release Party at the AutoZone Dome at the Sharpe Planetarium on August 18, from 7 – 9 PM.  There will be live music from the Lucky 7 Brass Band alongside servings of the new IPA and the laser show in the Planetarium.

“We’re so excited to host the Mastodon Beer Release Party here at MoSH,” says Kevin Thompson, Executive Director of MoSH. “Our museum is a place of discovery – both for history and science, but also discovering connections in the community. Working with Crosstown Brewing Company on the launch has been such a great experience, and having our very own Mastodon be an inspiration for a double IPA is truly exciting!”

Tickets are $35 and limited seating for this special launch party. All guests must be 21+ and proceeds of this event will support MoSH’s programs and activities for area students.

Memphis, TN –  July 12, 2022 Laser Bruno Mars Every Friday in August at the Sharpe Planetarium at the Museum of Science & History

The Museum of Science & History (MoSH) has announced the return of its popular Fab Fridays Laser Shows at the AutoZone Dome at the Sharpe Planetarium. Every Friday in August, the planetarium will host the Laser Bruno Mars laser light show as part of its Fab Fridays series.

Beginning August 5, visitors can end their week on a high note with Bruno Mars, the multifaceted artist who got his start as a child performer channeling Elvis and Michael Jackson. Laser Bruno Mars brings his retro showmanship and style to the dome in vibrant laser light. With an energetic soundtrack combined with gorgeous visuals, Laser Bruno Mars is just plain fun.

Singer, songwriter, musician, producer, dancer, Mars is a pop powerhouse. Mars’ impressive hit list includes Just the Way You Are, Grenade and Marry You. There will be two shows each Friday night, August 5, 12, 19, and 26 at 7 PM and 8:30 PM.

For full information, including set list, visit https://moshmemphis.com/event/laser-bruno-mars-fab-fridays-are-back-in-august/or https://mpv.tickets.com/schedule/?orgid=55289&agency=PIPV_PL_MPV – /?event=laser+rock&view=list&includePackages=false for tickets.

June 29, 2022 – Memphis, TN – The Pink Palace Crafts Fair Celebrates 50 Years of Arts & Crafts to Benefit the Museum of Science & History

The Friends of the Pink Palace, the volunteer organization for the Museum of Science & History (MoSH) is pleased to announce that the 50th Annual Pink Palace Crafts Fair will take place on September 23rd through 25th at Audubon Park in East Memphis.

First held in 1973, the Pink Palace Crafts Fair has been the high point of the fall season in Memphis for 50 years. The first fair featured around 30 craftsmen set up on the lawn in front of the mansion. Over the next two decades, the Pink Palace Crafts Fair grew into a major event with added fine craftsmen, traditional craft demonstrations, music, children’s activities and traditional cooking demonstrations. When the museum grounds couldn’t contain the thousands of fans who came each year, the Friends moved the fair to Audubon Park. It is now the largest juried arts and crafts fair in the Mid-South.

“Our fair has something for everyone – fine crafts artists, historic crafts demonstrations, family-friendly performances on stage, hands-on learning, kids’ activities, and of course, lots of shopping,” says Pam Dickey, chair of the Pink Palace Crafts Fair. “We’re expecting around 150 artists from around the country to join us this year.”

Visitors will find a variety of eclectic pottery, jewelry, 2-D art, glass, wood, leather, sculpture, fiber and so much more. Adding a festival feel are demonstrations by master craftsmen and live music. Food and drink vendors, including craft beer and wine, will be on hand with popular treats and beverages. Kids can visit the petting zoo, ride the popular choo-choo train that circles the park, take a pony ride or try the climbing wall. Some of the craftsmen scheduled for this year’s Pink Palace Crafts Fair include broom maker Jack Martin, printmaker Martha Kelly, sculptor Lester Jones, potter Agnes Stark, woodturner Dennis Paullus and the Metal Museum.

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Pink Palace Crafts Fair, the MoSH exhibits staff has created a special exhibit, which will be on display in late summer at the Museum. The exhibit will feature the history of the crafts fair as well as photos of the fair through the years and examples of crafts fair artist’s work. Documents from the first crafts fair chairman, Laura Powell, will also be displayed in the exhibit.

The Pink Palace Crafts Fair is sponsored by First Horizon, The Powell Family, and the Friends of the Pink Palace. All proceeds benefit the Museum of Science & History, as the Pink Palace is now known.

June 14, 2022 – Memphis, TN – MoSH Has Movies for Everyone This Summer 

The Summer Pride Film Series, in partnership with Out Memphis, was made possible by Greg Creel of Distribution Solutions. 

A Special Showing of the 1984 release of Dune with a Talk with Production Illustrator Ron Miller  

The Museum of Science & History (MoSH) will be a great place to keep cool this summer, with movies for fans of all ages. In addition to the regular Giant Screen Theater programming, this summer brings a pride movie series and a chance to hear the Production Illustrator from the 1984 release of Dune talk about his art.

Summer Pride Film Series

MoSH has announced a new LGBTQ+ film series, which will run in conjunction with the Rise Up and Memphis Proud exhibits. The Summer Pride Film Series, was made possible by Greg Creel of Distribution Solutions, allowing the films to be screened at a discounted rate. The first three films have been announced: Swan Song, To Decadence with Love, Thanks for Everything, and Moonlight, with an additional film to be announced over the summer. The Summer Pride Film Series is part of a greater schedule of events celebrating and exploring issues that are important to the LGBTQ+ community.

June 23:  Swan Song (RATED R) is the story of a retired hairdresser who embarks on a comical and bittersweet odyssey across town to style a former customer’s hair, confronting the ghosts of his past while collecting the beauty supplies necessary for the job. [Trailer]

July 28:  To Decadence with Love, Thanks for Everything, a film by Stuart Sox (Not Rated, but features adult content) is a documentary that follows drag queens Laveau Contraire and Franky Canga as they prepare for their weekend at New Orleans’ queer celebration of identity, Southern Decadence. [Trailer]

August 25:  Moonlight (RATED R) looks at three defining chapters in the life of Chiron, a young black man growing up in Miami grappling with his identity and sexuality while experiencing the everyday struggles of childhood, adolescence, and burgeoning adulthood. Moonlight won the Best Picture Academy Award in 2017.  [Trailer]

All Summer Pride Film Series tickets are $15 for non-members and $12 for members. Doors open at 6:30 PM; and films begin at 7:00 PM. There will be a cash bar and childcare available.  Curiosity Club, an on-site childcare program, will be supervised by MoSH staff and includes fun and interactive science activities. Costs for childcare are $15 for non-members or $12 for members. For more information, visit MoshMemphis.com.

Dune Film Movie & Mixer – June 25

This special screening of the newly remastered theatrical cut of Dune will begin with a discussion with Ron Miller, Production Illustrator for the film. Regarded as one of the leading movie production artists and space illustrators of our time, Miller collaborated with iconic director David Lynch on the original version of Dune, first released in 1984.

With the recent release of the new Dune movie, we wanted to public to see the original version, and get the behind-the-scenes story from the original Production Illustrator, Ron Miller,” said Tony Hardy, MoSH Theater Director. The MoSH lobby will also feature some rarely seen artwork and film artifacts.

The doors will open at 5:30 PM, with drinks available from the Tipsy Tumbler. Discussion with Ron Miller will begin at 6:30 PM, followed by movie.  For more information, visit MoshMemphis.com.

Turtle Odyssey 3D – Now Playing

Turtle Odyssey tells the heartwarming story of one tiny sea turtle’s big adventure. Based in Australia and narrated by Russell Crowe, Turtle Odyssey explores the unique lifecycle of an Australian green sea turtle named Bunji and her incredible journey across the open ocean.

The film follows Bunji from a hatchling into adulthood as she swims thousands of miles, meets incredible creatures and has some really wild encounters. She will eventually migrate, with mysterious precision, back to the very beach where she was born—to lay her own eggs that are the foundation of the next generation. [Trailer]

Additional movies are listed on the Calendar pages.

June 2, 2022 – Memphis, TN – Ahoy, Memphis! MoSH Hosts Navy Days June 15 – 17

Visitors can experience special missions with the Navy’s Virtual Reality Experience, the Nimitz.

The Museum of Science & History (MoSH) will host the United States Navy for three days of exciting activities, including the U.S. Parachute Team, the Ceremonial Guard, and the Nimitz, its Virtual Reality Experience. All events are either free to the public or included in the price of admission to the museum.

“This will be a thrilling week for military enthusiasts and anyone with an interest in the Navy and the technology it uses for their special missions,” says Michele Arquette-Palermo, Director of Community Engagement for MoSH. “We are excited to show visitors of all ages how science, technology, and innovation are essential to the Navy’s operations.”

Here are the Navy Days activities planned:

Outdoors (All outdoor events are free to the public)

  • June 15 & 16: From 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM, visitors aged 14+ will be able to visit the Nimitz, the Navy’s Virtual Reality Experience. This immersive experience gives participants a 360-degree virtual reality simulation of what it is like during a special warfare mission. The Nimitz experience includes a video briefing, wearing an Oculus Rift headset and a SubPac, a piece of wearable technology that replicates the sounds of the mission. Using a cutting-edge steering wheel and throttle system, participants will feel the sensation of piloting a high-speed Special Warfare Combatant Craft while rescuing SEALS.
  • June 16: The U.S. Navy Parachute Team, Navy Leap Frogs, will make a jump onto the Pink Palace Mansion lawn between 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM.
  • June 15,16 & 17: The Navy Ceremonial Guard will perform a 7-minute drill at 11:00 AM and 2 PM

Inside (All inside events are included with General Admission)

  • June 15, 16 & 17: On the Museum’s Mezzanine and Lower level, there will be six Navy Asset Teams leading activities and interacting with visitors. The teams include the Navy History and Heritage Command, USS Constitution, USS Tennessee, The Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (METOC), and the Esports Team.

Memphis, TN – May 24, 2022 – Juneteenth: A Celebration of Black Freedom at the Museum of Science & History

The Museum of Science & History (MoSH) has announced its new event, Juneteenth: A Celebration of Black Freedom, to be held on Sunday, June 19, 2022, on the lawn of the Pink Palace Mansion.

Juneteenth: A Celebration of Black Freedom event will be a two-hour celebration with music on the lawn of the Pink Palace location of MoSH. The African Jazz Ensemble, led by Ekpe Abioto, will perform an outdoor concert for guests. The 10-piece band, featuring some of Memphis’ finest musicians, has been playing together for more than 40 years, creating music that incorporates African influences into traditional jazz, soul, and R&B.

There will be finger foods and refreshments on the mansion porch, as well as a cash bar for adult beverages. Seating will be provided, but guests are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Memphis community to honor Black freedom from slavery and commemorate this important milestone,” says Michele Arquette-Palermo, Director of Community Engagement for the Museum. “Being able to feature the African Jazz Ensemble, with their vibrant beat, will make this a celebration for Memphis.”

The event will take place from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. More about Juneteenth: A Celebration of Black Freedom can be found on MoshMemphis.com, including ticketing information.

Memphis, TN – May 10, 2022 – Dune Production Illustrator Ron Miller giving talk and presentation before showing of original Dune 

Talk to feature Miller’s collaboration with Dune Director David Lynch 

Regarded as one of the leading movie production artists and space illustrators of our time, Ron Miller will be giving a talk/presentation at the Museum of Science & History before the showing of the original Dune Saturday, June 25 starting at 5:30 PM.

Part of the Museum’s Movies & Mixers series, the talk will highlight Miller’s collaboration with iconic movie director David Lynch on the original movie Dune. Following the talk, there will be an exclusive screening of the newly remastered theatrical cut of the film which has not been seen on the big screen since its original release in 1984. Featuring remastered images and sound, David Lynch’s vision of Dune never looked or sounded better.

“With the recent release of the new Dune movie, we wanted to allow the public to see the original version of the movie and get the behind-the-scenes story from the original movie production illustrator Ron Miller,” said Tony Hardy, theater director.

In addition to seeing the rare remastered version of the original Dune, there will be a display featuring never before seen artwork and actual film artifacts.

“Ron Miller will transport you into the Dune universe like never before,” said Hardy.

Ticket holders will receive a complimentary Dune art print created especially by Ron Miller for this one-time talk & screening.

May 3, 2022Memphis, TN – Pink Floyd Laser Show and Lunar Eclipse at the Museum of Science & History

Explore the Dark Side of the Moon with a Laser Show on May 15

Pink Floyd recorded the Dark Side of the Moon in 1972, one of the most acclaimed albums in history. This month’s total lunar eclipse provides the perfect astronomical event to commemorate the album. The Museum of Science & History (MoSH) will host a viewing of the Dark Side of the Moon Laser Show in the Planetarium on May 15, followed by a guided viewing of the Lunar Eclipse.

The event begins at 8:00 pm, and the Dark Side of the Moon laser show will begin at 8:30 pm in the Planetarium. After the show, guests can head outside to observe a total lunar eclipse. The gift shop will be open and snacks and beverages will be available for purchase. If the weather permits, we will have telescopes to help us watch the earth’s shadow creep across the moon’s face until totality, which begins at 10:28 pm. At that time, the ending lyrics of Eclipse, the final cut of Dark Side album, take on a literal meaning: “There is no dark side of the moon really. Matter of fact it’s all dark.” Although it refers to a solar eclipse, it is only during a lunar eclipse that the moon becomes “all dark” during totality.

Additional opportunities include a moving model of the Earth, moon and Sun and how they line up, an exploration of moonquakes, and models that reveal how far the moon is from Earth.

In the event of cloudiness, there will be a real-time simulation of the eclipse in the Planetarium. Museum doors will close at 11:00 pm. If skies are clear, visitors are encouraged to continue watching from their own yards. Totality ends at 11:54 pm. The moon appears full again when final partial eclipse phase ends at 12:55 a.m.

Tickets are $10 for Members/$13 for General Public. They are available at MoshMemphis.com.

April 25, 2022 – Memphis, TN –  Step Back in Time with Tea at the Mallory-Neely House on May 21

The Tea Garden offers a peek at life in the Victorian Era in Memphis and the mansion’s newly installed Victorian Gardens.

The Mallory-Neely House, one of the Museum of Science & History (MoSH) properties, is pleased to announce its latest special event, The Tea Garden. The Tea Garden event offers two seating times, one at 11:00 AM and one at 3:00 PM.

Visitors to the Mallory-Neely House will enjoy an assortment of pastries and teas and are invited to stroll through the newly installed Victorian Garden. Guests are invited to dress to impress in garden-inspired garb and can enjoy old-fashioned lawn games and decorate a plant to take home with a Victorian touch.

Inside the mansion, visitors can view the exhibit “Victorian Naturalists,” the latest in a series of seasonal exhibits that explore the art and interest of the residents of this historic home. With its high Victorian furnishings, the 25-room mansion is a chance to be immersed in the social customs, artwork, and life in turn of the century Memphis.

“We have a passion for making the past come alive, and our Tea Garden is the perfect way to experience afternoon tea in the garden, along with games and art of the times,” says Taylor Hopkins, Manager of Historic Homes. “We’re also showing off our beautiful new Victorian Gardens for the first time, which perfectly complement the beauty of this beloved home.”

General admission includes access to the grounds and tea party, the mansion exhibit, lawn games, and a plant guests can take home. There is a VIP upgrade available, which includes the benefits of general admission tickets, as well as an early access guided tour of the home and special seating in the newly installed Victorian Gardens. May 28 has been reserved as a rain date in the event of inclement weather.

Please visit the website for more information on The Tea Garden at the Mallory-Neely House.

About the Mallory-Neely House
Located in the Victorian Village area of downtown Memphis, the Mallory-Neely House is one of Memphis’ most visited historic homes.  We invite you to explore the decor and history of early Memphis and Southern culture.

The Mallory-Neely House is open to visitors Wednesday through Saturday, 10:30AM to 5 PM. Tours operate every hour on the hour, with the last tour beginning at 4 PM. The Mallory-Neely House offers rotating exhibits each month.

April 12, 2022 Memphis, TN – Get A Taste of Ghana On May 7 at the Museum of Science & History

The Museum of Science & History (MoSH) is proud to announce its new event, Taste of Ghana. The event will take place on May 7, 2022, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

Guests are invited to experience an evening of Ghanaian music, food, shopping, and more at Taste of Ghana, in collaboration with the Ghanaian Association of Memphis. The event promises to be a celebration of Ghanaian history and vibrant culture where guests can sample the flavors of Ghana with authentic small plates and soups while they enjoy the rhythms of live traditional music by Obruni Dance Band as well as hear and share personal stories from the local Ghanaian community. There will be handmade goods from artists and craftsmen available for purchase, as well as a cash bar.

This special event takes place during the new Isaac Hayes: Black Moses Gives Back exhibit at MoSH, a fun and colorful exhibit that introduces a side of Hayes that many may not be familiar with. Beyond writing hit songs for Stax artists and becoming a star in his own right, Hayes also became known for his interest in black pride and Afrocentrism. In addition to displaying the African clothing worn by Hayes, this exhibit will highlight Hayes’s philanthropic efforts in the African nation of Ghana and his hometown of Memphis. The Black Moses exhibit will be on display until July 31.

Across Memphis, Ghana is being celebrated this May. The Memphis in May International Festival is honoring Ghana as its annual spotlight. The Salute to Ghana offers a unique opportunity to unite the people of Memphis with the local and greater Ghanaian communities.

A Taste of Ghana is sponsored by the Ghanaian Association of Memphis. For tickets and information, visit MoshMemphis.com.

April 6, 2022Memphis, TN – Museum of Science & History Announces Companion Exhibits Celebrating the LGBTQ+ Movement

Rise Up and Memphis Proud chronicle milestones in LGBTQ+ people’s struggle for equality, acceptance, and community both on the national scene and locally.

The Museum of Science & History (MoSH) has announced the opening of two exhibitions showcasing the history of LGBTQ+ acceptance and equality. Both exhibitions will be open to visitors from June 4 to September 26, 2022.

“Rise Up: Stonewall and the LGBTQ Rights Movement” is a national traveling exhibition created by the Newseum in Washington, D.C., exploring the origins of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States. Beginning with the June 1969 police raid of the Stonewall Inn in New York City’s Greenwich Village and the response of the gay, lesbian and transgender community who resisted the raid, the exhibition sheds light on important milestones of LGBTQ+ rights history, from the AIDS crisis to the military’s Don’t Ask-Don’t Tell policy to the struggle for same-sex marriage equality. Rise Up also explores pop culture’s role in influencing attitudes about the LGBTQ+ community through film, television, and sports and examines how the LGBTQ+ rights movement used media and public forums to leverage legal change and break down stereotypes.

“Memphis Proud: The Resilience of a Southern LGBTQ+ Community,” researched and curated by the MoSH staff, is a separate exhibit that examines the history and culture of the city’s LGBTQ+ population and explores how LGBTQ+ Memphians of different backgrounds and experiences have come together to form thriving communities and provide powerful voices for change and acceptance in Memphis.

“This exhibit was possible because Memphis’ LBGTQ+ citizens have remained committed to creating strong communities and fostering a culture of activism,” says Raka Nandi, Director of Exhibits and Collections for MoSH. “The local LGBTQ+ community is diverse, and the exhibit emphasizes a multiplicity of voices in LGBTQ+ organizations of the Mid-South.  One of our biggest challenges was ensuring we represented the full diversity of the Memphis LGBTQ+ community – in terms of race, generational difference, and sexual orientation.  We hope the community will continue to add its stories through the exhibit’s run.”

The exhibit’s curators developed an advisory committee of local community leaders, activists, and allies of the LGBTQ+ movement who met monthly to discuss the exhibition’s themes. These meetings fueled spirited discussions on housing, nightlife, religion, and other issues related to the lives of the LGBTQ+ people of Memphis. The exhibition draws attention to the accomplishments of local leaders who have led the charge in the battle for legal and social acceptance within the community. It also highlights a new generation of activists who continue to challenge discrimination and increase the visibility and influence of the LGBTQ+ population of Memphis.

The two exhibitions, Rise Up and Memphis Proud, open on June 4 and run through September 26. For more information, visit MoshMemphis.com.

The Rise Up and Memphis Proud Exhibits are presented by FedEx and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, with additional support from International Paper, Nike, Sowell Realtors, and BeAM, an LGBTQIA+ ERG from Archer Malmo.

“Rise Up: Stonewall and the LGBTQ Rights Movement” was developed by the Newseum. The Newseum is an affiliate of the Freedom Forum, whose mission is to foster First Amendment freedoms for all. freedomforum.org

Presenting sponsors – FedEx and the Institute of Museum & Library Services.

For more information, please e-mail Sheila Noone at [email protected]

 

March 22, 2022 – Memphis, TN – Celebrate Earth Day at the Lichterman Nature Center 2022 Volunteer Plant Sale

Volunteers of the nature center staff this beloved annual fundraiser for the nonprofit.

The Museum of Science & History (MoSH) will hold its annual Volunteer Plant Sale on April 22 and 23, 2022 at the Lichterman Nature Center in East Memphis. The 2022 Volunteer Plant Sale coincides with Earth Day on April 22, making it an ideal day for a visit to the 65-acre nature center and arboretum that is home to lush gardens, wildlife exhibits, and trails through lake, meadow and forest habitats.

This year, MoSH Members receive 10% discount on plant purchases, a new benefit of membership. The sale will feature milkweeds, ferns, and an abundant selection of butterfly favorites such as blazing star, ironweed, penstemon, salvia, phlox, sunflowers, bergamot, blanket flower, and coneflowers.  Important butterfly larval host plants, vegetables, herbs, and colorful nectar plants will also be available for Memphians creating a variety of home gardens.

Andy Williams is the Director of Satellite Properties for MoSH, which includes Lichterman Nature Center as well as the Mallory-Neely and Magevney Houses downtown. Williams has overseen the plant sale since 2001. “As a bone fide plant geek and serious gardener, I love talking shop with experienced gardeners and plant experts,” says Williams.  “It’s also a great opportunity to introduce new gardeners to the worlds of native plants and gardening for wildlife.”

Volunteers wanted: Have a green thumb? Plant propagation and event-day volunteers are needed.  Please call or email Janie Best-Paraham at 901.636.2438 or [email protected] for info. The Volunteer Plant Sale is MoSH’s second-largest volunteer-driven, mission-aligned fundraiser, second only to the Pink Palace Crafts Fair.

 

March 15, 2022 – Memphis, TN – CodeCrew and the Museum of Science & History Team Up for Coding Class

The Museum of Science & History (MoSH) and CodeCrew, a Memphis-based non-profit that empowers children and adults in underserved communities to be tech innovators and leaders, have formed a partnership to give Memphis middle and high school students the chance to learn valuable technology skills in classroom space provided by MoSH.

Due to the COVID pandemic’s restrictions, CodeCrew had limited classroom space to host the number of coding classes they wanted to provide. MoSH has classroom and lab space that is unused after hours and which proved to be perfect for CodeCrew’s needs. Through this collaboration, CodeCrew is able to offer after-school classes, including Robotics, Video Game Development, and Physical Computing. An additional class, Cub Coders, is available virtually for children from kindergarten to fourth grade.

“Two important aspects of our mission at the Museum are to inspire discovery and be accessible to the community. This partnership gives us a chance to bring that mission to life,” says Michele Arquette-Palermo, Director of Community Engagement for MoSH. “Eventually, we hope to put some of the work that comes out of this partnership on display throughout the museum. By highlighting CodeCrew’s work, we will inspire other young people to pursue technology-based work.”

“CodeCrew’s partnership with the Museum has limitless possibilities of what we can do with the students,” says Jean Francois Mahoro, Curriculum and Instruction Manager for CodeCrew. “MoSH was on board because they believe in CodeCrew’s mission, which is educating those most underrepresented in tech to be tech innovators and leaders through practical, hands-on computer science education programs in Memphis and beyond. I am excited that the Museum of Science & History will be associated with youth tech education, and am grateful that our students will be able to take fun classes at the Museum while learning computer science, the importance of critical thinking, and problem-solving.”

With the collaboration, CodeCrew will supply technical equipment and MoSH will supply the space and high-speed internet. This is a partnership that supports the missions of both organizations, and the two are also in discussion to host summer camp programming. Stay tuned to moshmemphis.com and code-crew.org for more information on available summer programs.

About Code Crew
CodeCrew is a non-profit that empowers youth and adults in Memphis from underrepresented communities to be tech innovators.  Of the nearly 2,000 kids CodeCrew serves weekly, 91% are Black and Hispanic youth, 47% are girls, and, overall, 89% of students are more likely to study computer science.  After completing CodeCrew’s Code School, adult training program, graduates are getting placed in software engineering jobs earning, on average, $55,000 – up from their prior average income of just $15,000.

About Museum of Science & History 

The Museum of Science & History (MoSH) is committed to telling the story of Memphis. Its mission is to inspire discovery through collecting, preserving and interpreting the cultural histories and natural sciences that shape our region. MoSH is a collective of historic, educational and cultural attractions that span the city, from the Mallory-Neely and Magevney Houses downtown, to MoSH Central (Pink Palace) with its Giant Screen Theater and Planetarium, to the Lichterman Nature Center in East Memphis. Learn more by visiting MoSHMemphis.com.

March 8, 2022 – Memphis, TN – Museum of Science & History to host second annual Fossil Fest April 2 & 3

Outdoor event has expanded to two days of family friendly exploration

The Museum of Science & History (MoSH) has announced the return of Fossil Fest, two days of fun for everyone with an interest in science, archaeology, paleontology, and just digging in the dirt.

With even more activities than last year’s inaugural event, Fossil Fest gives fans of natural history a chance to be a paleontologist for the day. Besides digging for fossils and discovering which creatures roamed the Mid-South, there are many activities to keep visitors busy, from learning how dinosaurs hatched from eggs, which were herbivore, carnivore or omnivore, to how dinosaurs’ names were created.  Visitors can study the teeth of modern animals to better understand the teeth of the animals found in the fossil record and determine how they are related to each other. With a paleontologist backpack, kids can dress like a paleontologist and embark on scavenger hunts on the grounds of the museum.

“This event really brings our mission alive – it helps us to connect our visitors to the science behind our natural history” says Michele Arquette-Palermo, Director of Community Engagement for MoSH. “Whether it’s learning how fossils are formed overt time or making connections among the different time periods that developed the very land we live on, every visitor will walk away with a better understanding of Memphis.”

Staff members from multiple MoSH properties will be on hand to lend expertise, including the Lichterman Nature Center. Soil materials for the fossil search will be from the Coon Creek Science Center in Adamsville, Tennessee, which is located on one of the most important fossil sites in North America. The fossils found at the site date back to the Upper Cretaceous period (around 70 million years ago), when the Gulf of Mexico covered much of present day southern and central United States.

Visitors to the museum can plan to spend the whole day at the museum, from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM each day. Refreshments will be available in the gift shop.

March 1, 2022 – Memphis, TN – Museum of Science & History Teams Up with Stax Museum of American Soul Music to bring Black Moses Gives Back this April

Exhibit celebrates Isaac Hayes, his Afrocentrism, his dashikis, and his philanthropic efforts in Ghana.

The Museum of Science & History (MoSH) has announced the opening of a special exhibit, Isaac Hayes: Black Moses Gives Back, opening April 9 and running until July 31. The engaging exhibition will showcase Hayes’s unique dashikis collection and his humanitarian work in Ghana.

Black Moses Gives Back is a fun and colorful exhibit and will introduce a side of Isaac Hayes that many may not be familiar with. Beyond writing hit songs for Stax artists and becoming a star in his own right, Hayes also became known for his interest in black pride and Afrocentrism. In addition to displaying the African clothing worn by Hayes, this exhibit will highlight Hayes’s philanthropic efforts in the African nation of Ghana and his hometown of Memphis.

With his success writing the musical score for Shaft in 1971 and becoming the first African American to win an Oscar for Best Song, Hayes used his fame to advocate for African American civil rights and the need to celebrate black culture.  These positions eventually led him to the West African nation of Ghana, where he was made an honorary king in the Ada region and eventually started a school.  Hayes also developed an extensive collection of dashikis, a traditional West African garment.

“It is a fitting moment for the opening of this exhibit as this year’s International Memphis in May Festival is honoring Ghana,” says Raka Nandi, Director of Exhibits and Collections for MoSH. “Black Moses Gives Back will highlight the culture of Ghana and its people, as well as an important chapter in the life of one of Memphis’s most prominent citizens. We are excited for our visitors to learn more about what Isaac Hayes meant to Memphis and the world.”

February 23, 2022 – Memphis, TN – South City Museum & Cultural Center Announces Collaboration with the Museum of Science & History

Memphis’s newest museum has been proposed for the site of historic Porter School.

The South City Museum & Cultural Center (SCMCC) has announced a collaboration with the Memphis Museum of Science & History (MoSH) as it plans the city’s newest museum. The Museum will celebrate South Memphis, an area of the City that has produced some of Memphis’ most notable civic leaders, entrepreneurs, politicians, artists, and athletes, and is well known for its cultural and historical contributions to the Memphis community.

“Our mission is to create a place to commemorate the past and celebrate the future, showcasing the history of one of Memphis’ oldest African American neighborhoods,” says Archie Willis III, Board Chair of the SCMCC. “We are grateful to the Museum of Science & History for their assistance in planning and curation of our new space, which is so important to the people of this great neighborhood.”

MoSH has been chosen to collaborate with the South City team on the preparation and launch of its museum, which is proposed for the summer of 2024. MoSH will provide guidance in areas of museum management, including Exhibits and Collections, Guest Services, and Community Engagement. “We are so excited to partner with Archie and the South City Museum & Cultural Center,” says Kevin Thompson, Executive Director of MoSH. “It’s an incredible project that will elevate not just this part of Memphis, but the entire region. Our team can’t wait to get started as we help make this vision come alive for South City and for Memphis.”

The proposed site of the SCMCC is Porter School, just east of Danny Thomas Blvd, which also previously housed the MLK Transition Academy. The SCMCC’s initial focus area spans from the Mississippi River on the West side to East Parkway South on the East; from Beale Street/Vance Avenue on the North and to Mallory Avenue/Norris Road/Ball Road on the South side. From this geographic area emerged a prodigious amount of talent and influence, from Robert Church to the Hooks Family to Booker T. Jones to former Mayor Willie Herenton. The area is also home to important institutions and organizations such as Lemoyne-Owen College and the Church of God in Christ.

The SCMCC aims to commemorate the accomplishments of the community by chronicling the historically significant places, events and residents of the area. In telling stories of resiliency, it will provide the historical context that shaped the area, including the ramifications of the political and social events that shaped it.

About South City Museum & Cultural Center

The South City Museum & Cultural Center is a 501c3 located between Foote Park at South City and Cleaborn Pointe at Heritage Landing. Its goal is to celebrate the accomplishments, achievements, and history of South Memphis and the surrounding communities through the preservation of significant artifacts, presentation of informative exhibits, and commemoration of the residents and organizations that contributed to this history. It will also create a community space to serve the immediate neighborhood and the broader Memphis community. For more information, contact [email protected].

About Museum of Science & History

The Museum of Science & History (MoSH) is committed to telling the story of Memphis. Its mission is to inspire discovery through collecting, preserving and interpreting the cultural histories and natural sciences that shape our region. MoSH is a collective of historic, educational and cultural attractions that span the city, from the Mallory-Neely and Magevney Houses downtown, to MoSH Central (Pink Palace) with its Giant Screen Theater and Planetarium, to the Lichterman Nature Center in East Memphis. Learn more by visiting MoSHMemphis.com.

January 19, 2022 – Memphis, TN – Memphis Museum of Science & History Announces Exciting New Movie and Planetarium Lineup for the New Year

New entertainment will thrill audiences with amazing views on and off planet Earth. Laser Motown will have guests dancing in their seats. 

The Museum of Science & History (MoSH) is excited to announce new big screen adventures appearing in the Giant Screen Theater and AutoZone Dome at the Sharpe Planetarium in 2022. The Giant Screen Theater and Planetarium offer visual and sensory experiences unlike anywhere in the Mid-South. Here’s a peek at what’s coming up on the two screens:

Giant Screen Theater – A Nature Lover’s Dream

Into America’s Wild 3D leads audiences across North America on a breathtaking adventure to explore the hidden wonders of nature. The amazing journey includes the awesome beauty of Arizona’s Canyon do Chelly, Crowley Lake in California, Colorado’s Royal Gorge, the Everglades National Park in Florida, the high desert of New Mexico, the coast of Oregon, wonders in Utah and the Appalachian Trail, which spans from Georgia to Maine. Into America’s Wild 3D opens February 12, 2022.

MoSH Planetarium – From Mars to Motown

Explore, the exciting, new full-dome planetarium show, gives fascinating insight into how technology launched us into space, to Mars and beyond. Explore presents a broad overview of science through the ambitious idea of colonizing Mars. The story takes us from ancient astronomy through the future prospect of traveling in space. It explores the steps scientists and scholars have taken over the centuries – from creating calendars and marking the passage of time, to the stars and planets, and to modern transportation and space travel. Explore boasts several educational film prizes for bringing science to life. Explore opens March 12.

Laser Motown, a new addition to MoSH’s ongoing Fab Friday Laser Shows lineup, offers visitors a toe-tapping, seat-dancing Motown experience like never before. Featuring some of the most iconic songs in American music, Laser Motown is a 46-minute celebration of legendary Motown tunes. Motown Records, founded in Detroit in the late 1950s, created favorites that are still vibrant today. Motown’s slogan was “The Sound of Young America.”  A who’s who of music legends, Laser Motown features Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, and current Memphian Al Green. Laser Motown opens February 4 and plays Fridays in February.

All show times are listed on the MoSH Memphis website, and refreshments are available for sale in the Museum Gift Shop.

December 28, 2021 – Memphis, TN – Lichterman Nature Center Announces the Return of the Birds & The Seeds Event for 2022

There will be something to delight all birdwatchers and gardeners at the event, plus a plant sale.

The Museum of Science & History (MoSH) has announced the date of The Birds & The Seeds event, scheduled for January 29, 2022 at the Lichterman Nature Center in East Memphis. This event, now in its eighth year, is highly anticipated among birdwatchers, gardeners, and general nature lovers alike.

The Birds & The Seeds event offers a full day of activities for visitors, with a Seed Swap as well as seed giveaways, a “Birding from the Balcony” session, an herb and houseplant sale of plants from the Lichterman Greenhouse, as well as birding and gardening experts answering questions. January 29 is also National Seed Swap Day, and visitors are encouraged to share their seed success stories on social media.

Andy Williams, the Director of Lichterman Nature Center is excited for this opportunity for Memphis gardeners and birders, especially since last year’s event could not take place. “The Birds & the Seeds event will be a winter celebration of birding and gardening with our outdoor-oriented community partners,” he says. “The pandemic has been a commercial for the value of getting outdoors. We want to highlight the opportunities and resources we have at our property to help people get the most out of their outdoor experiences.”

In addition to Lichterman Nature Center staff, there will be activities guided by community partners, including the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library’s Grow Memphis Seed Library, the City of Memphis Horticulturist, Connie Sheppard, Cooper-Young’s Garden Club, Heartland Seed of Missouri, Memphis Area Master Gardeners, Memphis Botanic Garden, Memphis Horticulture Society, Memphis Tilth, Pinecrest Camp and Retreat Center, UT-TSU Extension Service of Shelby County, West Tennessee Urban Forestry Council, Wild Birds Unlimited, WildOnes MidSouth Chapter, Wolf River Conservancy, and the V&E Greenline.

Lichterman Nature Center is a certified arboretum and nature center on 65 acres located at 5992 Quince Road in East Memphis. It is part of the MoSH family of museums and regularly features events for all ages, including their Walk & Talk series, Nature By Firelight events, and many more.

December 20, 2021 – Memphis, TN –  Historic Mallory-Neely Home to Reopen January 8, 2022

The Historic Home Offers a peek at life in Nineteenth Century Memphis. Historic Home Turns into the Blind Tiger Speakeasy on March 5.

The Museum of Science & History (MoSH) is pleased to announce the reopening of the Mallory-Neely House on Saturday, January 8, 2022 and a Blind Tiger Speakeasy event on March 5.

The home, built in 1852, was the residence of a series of wealthy Memphians and is one of two homes operated by MoSH. Beginning on January 8, the Mallory-Neely House will be open to visitors each Friday and Saturday, noon to 4 PM. Tours will operate every hour on the hour, with the last tour beginning at 4 PM. The Mallory-Neely House will also feature rotating exhibits each month. January’s exhibit is The Art of the Home, followed a deeper look at African American history in February, coinciding with Black History Month.

“We are so excited to once again share the rich history of the Mallory-Neely House. This amazing home tells the story of not just what life was like in the 1800s, but also of the families that lived here,” says Taylor Hopkins, Manager of Historic Houses. “Visitors will learn about the Mallory-Neelys as well as the servants and enslaved people who worked in the homes and in Memphis.”

Tours touch on all aspects of life for the Mallory-Neely family, from the high Victorian furnishings of the 25-room mansion, to social customs, artwork and life in turn of the century Memphis. The reopening kicks off a robust calendar of events for the historic home, which has hosted weddings, high teas, and other social events over the years.

Blind Tiger Speakeasy

Fans of the Roaring 20s will not want to miss the “Blind Tiger” Speakeasy event on March 5. For one night, the past will roar into focus as the home is transformed into a Prohibition-era speakeasy, also known as a blind tiger, complete with glamorous flappers, fabulous cocktails and rollicking music.

Details for the Mallory-Neely History House tours and special events can be found on the Mosh website.

About the Mallory-Neely House

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and located in the Victorian Village Historic District, the Mallory-Neely House is one of Memphis’s treasured historic sites. Built in 1852, it is beautifully preserved and retains all of the original interiors, furniture, and artifacts. The iconic home was preserved by Mrs. Frances Neely Mallory, who was known as Miss Daisy. Daisy moved into the home with her parents as a child in 1883, returned as an adult to raise her own family there with her husband, and was the last family member to reside in the home, until her death in 1969. The house was gifted to the city of Memphis in 1985, and has been operated as a historic house museum by Mosh since 1987.

Memphis, TN – November 30, 2021The Museum of Science & History Announces Thought-Provoking New Exhibit to Explore Native American Stereotypes

“Savages and Princesses” challenges stereotypes with a modern approach to Native American Art.

The Museum of Science & History (MoSH) has announced a new exhibit beginning in January that challenges stereotypical images of Native Americans. Savages and Princess: The Persistence of Native American Stereotypes brings together twelve contemporary Native American visual artists who explore how to represent Native Americans authentically.

The images and styles in the exhibit are created from traditional, contemporary, and mass culture forms, replacing stereotypical images found in the current pop culture landscape. The exhibition’s artists use the unexpected—humor, emotion, or shock—to encourage viewers to question and challenge stereotypes, even unspoken, unacknowledged ones.

Savages and Princesses will challenge our perceptions of Native Americans and their place in American consciousness through these provocative works of art,” says Raka Nandi, Director of Exhibits and Collections for MoSH. “The artists welcome the viewer with familiar tropes, but use this invitation to upset easy assumptions made about Native Americans and their culture.”

Originally presented at Tulsa’s 108|Contemporary Art Gallery in 2016, this exhibition is organized by Exhibits USA, a program of Mid-America Arts Alliance. The exhibit runs from January 28 to March 16, 2022. Visit the exhibit website page for more information.

Memphis, TN –  November 23, 2021 – The Science of Beer is Back at the Museum of Science & History 

Chase away the winter blues with this premium beer-tasting event! 

The Museum of Science & History (MoSH) has announced the return of their annual Science of Beer event to be held January 14, from 6:30 to 9 PM.  This event allows guests to sample a variety of beers from some of the best breweries in the region alongside special items from some of the best Memphis restaurants. Along with the brews, there will be educational information on everything from carbonation to climate change, and how it all affects the brewing process.

“This event promises more than just an opportunity to taste great beers from local brewers,” says John Mullikin, an instructor for MoSH and the organizer of the Science of Beer event. “It’s a chance to interact with the brewers and learn the science behind creating this beverage – from local water to the hops and malts used in the process.”

The Science of Beer event is a combination beer tasting and education workshop that raises valuable funding for education and programming for the museum.

Attendees will have the opportunity to talk to local brewers, attend mini-lectures, and participate in beer-themed activities. Each guest will receive a commemorative 16 oz. glass, tasting card, and a map with locations of each restaurant and brewery. There will be three levels of ticketing –VIP Admission (with an extra 30 minutes to sample, and additional options in a VIP Lounge), General Admission, and designated driver.

As this is a 21+ event, participants will be asked to show IDs. Full information is available here.

Memphis, TN – November 3, 2021The Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees Returns to the Museum of Science & History

 The annual event unites Memphis in the holiday spirit and benefits Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.

The Museum of Science & History (MoSH), is pleased to announce the return of the Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees to the museum this holiday season. The popular Memphis holiday attraction benefits Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.

The Enchanted Forest’s history dates back to 1963, when it debuted at the Goldsmith’s Department store in downtown Memphis. The exhibit was modeled after Walt Disney’s “It’s a Small World” exhibit at the New York World’s Fair. In the 1990s, it merged with Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital’s Festival of Trees. The entire exhibit moved to MoSH in 2002, where the beloved tradition continues.

“A visit to the Enchanted Forest is a fantastic way for families to kick off the holiday season,” says Kevin Thompson, Executive Director of MoSH. “Visitors can tour the forest of creatively decorated trees, check out model trains, a Gingerbread Village, and get photos with Santa in his COVID-safe protective snow globe. We love continuing this classic Memphis tradition for the city, our neighbors, and most especially, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.”

The Enchanted Forest is open from November 20 to December 31, only closing for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and Mondays and Tuesdays. There are extended hours each Friday, when the museum stays open until 9 PM.

Holiday lovers can also check out holiday favorites The Year Without a Santa Claus and The Light Before Christmas at the Giant Screen Theater, or be dazzled at the AutoZone Dome Planetarium the Season of Light and Laser Holidays shows. Refreshments are available, and the gift shop will be open.

For full hours and to plan a visit, go to MoSHMemphis.com for more information and the entire calendar of events.

October 13, 2021 – Memphis, TN – The Science of Wine is Back at the Museum of Science & History

The best of Memphis food and wine come together for a night of fine dining and wine tasting.

The Museum of Science & History (MoSH) is proud to announce the return of The Science of Wine on Thursday, November 4, 2021. This premier event offers attendees the opportunity to sip, sample and learn as they try wines from some of the best regions in the world, as well as special tastings from some of the best in Memphis dining.

“We’re excited to introduce our guests to dishes from some of Memphis’s most popular restaurants, hand paired with wines from around the world, all while learning through demos and guided tasting sessions,” says John Mullikin, Education Instructor for MoSH. “The best part is that proceeds will benefit the Museum of Science & History’s Community Engagement department, providing free and low-cost science and history education for thousands of area students.”

This year marks the sixth year for The Science of Wine, after a COVID-necessitated break in 2020. Sponsored by Bluff City Land Rover, the event brings back all of the highlights, from gourmet snacks by some of the best restaurants in the Bluff City, to nerdy science facts about terroir and how the weather affects the grapes. West Tennessee Crown donated the wine, champagne, and made arrangements for many of the speakers, and Party Concepts designed the wine tour throughout the Museum.

A VIP Ticket package comes with early admission, including samples of food before the crowds. VIP restaurants include Erling Jensen, Farm & Fig, Vanelli’s Deli, and Nothing Bundt Cakes. Other Memphis favorites will also be on hand, including Rizzo’s, Char, Café Society, Alchemy/Salt Soy and Elwood’s Shack, with additional treats from J. Brooks Coffee, K-3 Studio, Tom’s Tiny Kitchen and Wolf River Popcorn.

There are General Admission and VIP Tickets available, as well as a special price for Designated Drivers. The event is scheduled for November 4, from 6:30PM – 9:00PM, while VIP guests are invited to arrive at 6:00PM. This is a 21+ event, and I.D. and vaccination cards are required for entry. MoSH Membership holders receive additional discounts. For tickets and additional information, please visit MoshMemphis.com/Science-of-Wine.

October 6, 2021- Memphis, TNInaugural STEAMFest at the Museum of Science and History Promises Peek at STEAM Careers

Dozens of Memphis Community Partners Team Up to Provide Valuable Insight into the World of STEAM

The Museum of Science and History (MoSH) has announced its inaugural MoSH STEAMFest on October 23, featuring booths, talks, presentations, and demonstrations from a wide range of community partners with a focus on the importance of STEAM and STEAM Career paths.

“We are so grateful to the Memphis business and nonprofit community for coming together for this special event for students of all ages,” says Kevin Thompson, Executive Director of MoSH. “STEAM subjects are not only an important element in the education of our young people, but a crucial hiring need for businesses and nonprofits.”

The MoSH STEAMFest is presented alongside the statewide Tennessee STEAM Festival, which aspires to build interest and excitement in STEAM subjects, and cultivate the next generation of citizen and professional science advocates and practitioners.

Exciting exhibits and demonstration areas will give local businesses, colleges/universities and community partners a chance to show how science and the arts play a role in everything they do, whether it’s exploring spacetime, building KNex cars, creating an MRI, or using engineering in a variety of industries. A sampling of exhibits, demonstrations and presentations includes:

  • American Society of Civil Engineers: Visitors will learn how to build a KNex car and collect the information needed to calculate distance.
  • Bearden Company/Deep Delta Films: The writer-filmmaker’s work will be on display, and Bearden will demonstrate how to edit videos on smartphones.
  • Center of Earthquake Research and Information (CERI) at the University of Memphis: Earthquake-related equipment and shake table.
  • City of Memphis Division of Engineering: Earthquake simulator, visitors can build things to test their ability to withstand an earthquake.
  • Christian Brothers University: Demonstrations from the Chemical Engineering, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering departments will include a seismic shake table, drones and a go cart project.
  • FedEx: FedEx will be hosting a FedEx Lounge featuring videos of Roxo the SameDay bot, demonstrations of SenseAware ID, the FedEx sensor technology, and other activities.
  • LeMoyne-Owen College Science on Wheels: Hands-on science activities on board the Science on Wheels Mobile Science lab. Activities will be suitable for ages 4 years old and up.
  • Pickering Engineering: Participants can build a spoon catapult. This will be simple for all ages, made of household materials (popsicle sticks, spoon, etc.).
  • Rhodes College: The Rhodes College CubeSat Team will have two outreach activities: a demonstration of spacetime using a spandex sheet and a demonstration of solar cells and the variables that affect their output current and voltage, including the type of connection (parallel or series) and wavelengths of incident light.
  • University of Memphis Biomedical Engineering Department: Compass needle and magnet experiments to demonstrate the principle behind the science of seeing inside the body using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

In addition to the STEAMFest booths, there will be food trucks. For a full list of participating community partners and their STEAM-based demonstrations, visit MoSHMemphis.com/mosh-steamfest.

September 14, 2021 – Memphis, TN –Memphis Museum of Science & History Announces New Staff Members

Jeffrey King, Jared Bulluck, Michele Arquette-Palermo and Raka Nandi Join MoSH

The Museum of Science and History (MoSH) is proud to announce four key additions to its staff. The Museum, which was rebranded earlier this year to better reflect the entirety of its scope, has named department leads for Guest Services, Development, Community Engagement, and Collections and Exhibits.

“These additions are key to the continued evolution of the Museum as we strive to expand our outreach and grow relationships with more communities,” says Executive Director Kevin Thompson. “We want to be innovative in how we engage with our wide audience through our programming.”

Jeffrey King has joined MoSH as Director of Guest Services. Prior to this, he served as Director of Visitor Services at the Denver Art Museum. King has a B.A. in Fine/Studio Arts from Fort Lewis College in Colorado. “Jeff’s experience helped Denver Art Museum change and grow from a much smaller institution that needed guest services infrastructure to what is now one of the leading art museums in the country,” says Thompson. “We know he can help grow MoSH to be a larger regional presence, which is one of our goals.” King will manage all ticketing, store, membership and guest relations for MoSH.

Memphian Jared Bulluck joins MoSH as the Director of Development on September 16. With a B.A. in Business from the University of Memphis and an M.B.A. from Christian Brothers University, Bulluck brings extensive experience in the Memphis business and nonprofit community from his more than 10 years at Leadership Memphis, the last four years as Sr. Director of Operations. “Jared’s experience with Leadership Memphis is really going to help us connect better to our community and funders, and to engage a whole new group of people in the museum,” says Thompson.

Michele Arquette-Palermo will be joining MoSH as Director of Community Engagement on October 23. She holds an M.S in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from Walden University in addition to a B.S. in Science.  With 20 years of experience in museums and nonprofits, most recently for Cranbrook Institute of Science, Arquette-Palermo forged relationships with the community, local government, and higher learning institutions as well as corporation and foundations in the region. “Michele helped the Cranbrook Institute of Science develop state-wide programming in their outreach,” says Thompson. “At MoSH, we’re beginning to expand our presence not just in the city of Memphis but into some of our surrounding counties with new outreach initiatives. Michele’s experience can help us engage our community on a much, much deeper level and expand our presence as well.”

Raka Nandi has returned to the Museum as Director of Collections and Exhibits, beginning October 11. Nandi has a B.A. in Communications from Mills College, a M.A. in Public History from George Mason University and a M.A. in European Studies from Washington University. Nandi previously served as Curator of History for MoSH, before serving as Librarian of the Memphis and Shelby County Room at the Memphis Public Library, Collections Manager for the National Civil Rights Museum and Director of Exhibitions for The Stax Museum. “Nandi’s experience at the local and national level will help MoSH reach its full potential with our Natural and Cultural Histories collections,” says Thompson. “Her experience of integrating updated technology with exhibits will help us connect with newer, younger audiences, as well as return visitors to the museum.”

In addition to these staffing updates, the Museum is adding technology upgrades which include electronic ticketing, a collections inventory system, and updated website that more clearly communicates the properties and resources that the Museum encompasses.

“I’m excited to bring a new team of leadership to the museum. These new directors complement our existing leadership team well,” adds Thompson. “I feel we have a well-balanced team to achieve the strategic direction set by our Board as we move forward.”

August 24, 2021 – Memphis, TN – Memphis Museum of Science & History – MoSH included in nearly $1 million grant from Institute of Museum and Library Services

The Science Alliance of Tennessee one of 15 awardees nationwide chosen for prestigious grant; MoSH also awarded a Museums for America grant

The Science Alliance of Tennessee, a consortium of six non-profit science museums across the state, will be receiving nearly $1 million in grant funding from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). As a member of the Science Alliance of Tennessee, Memphis Museum of Science & History – MoSH will be awarded $127,000 of the three-year, nearly $1 million grant.

“As pillars of our communities, libraries and museums bring people together by providing important programs, services, and collections. These institutions are trusted spaces where people can learn, explore and grow,” said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper. “IMLS is proud to support their initiatives through our grants as they educate and enhance their communities.”

The IMLS National Leadership Grants for Museums support projects that address critical needs of the museum field and that have the potential to advance practice in the profession so that museums can improve services for the American public. The projects will receive funds totaling $6,387,709, and the organizations receiving the awards are matching them with $4,577,282 in non-federal funds. Only 15 projects were chosen from a pool of 74 applicants.

The Science Alliance of Tennessee project is entitled The Tennessee Rural Impact Project, and will provide a proof-of-concept of the ways informal education centers can engage, learn from, and support underserved rural counties. Over the three-year period, the Tennessee Rural Impact Project will illustrate the ways in which STEM and literacy support at the K-2 level, when offered within challenged rural communities, will enhance teacher practices which are further complemented by home, school and community partnerships committed to increased opportunities for strengthening teaching and learning in ongoing ways.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums. It advances, supports, and empowers America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Its vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities.

MoSH was also independently awarded a $65,090 IMLS Museums for America grant to produce a 2,500 sq. ft. exhibit accompanying Rise Up:  Stonewall and the LGBTQ Rights Movement, a traveling exhibit produced by the NewseumMoSH’s exhibit has a working title of LGBTQ Memphis.  Along with local LGBTQ history, the exhibit will highlight contemporary opportunities and challenges LGBTQ Memphians face and will connect local history to the national narrative. MoSH curators will work with community stakeholders to determine exhibit content and secure artifact acquisitions/loans to ensure the exhibit tells as complete and inclusive a story as possible. The exhibits will be on display June – August 2022.

About the Science Alliance of Tennessee

With its six member institutions, the Science Alliance of Tennessee has an annual economic impact of $44 million, engaging more than 1.1 million Tennessee students, teachers and visitors of all ages in hands-on learning opportunities in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Member institutions include:

  • Adventure Science Center, Nashville (Steve Hinkley, President & CEO)
  • Creative Discovery Museum, Chattanooga (Henry Schulson, Executive Director)
  • Discovery Center, Murfreesboro (Tara MacDougall, President & CEO)
  • Hands-On Discovery Center, Johnson City (Andy Marquart, Executive Director)
  • The Muse, Knoxville (Allison Comer, Interim Executive Director)
  • Museum of Science & History, Memphis (Kevin Thompson, Executive Director)

 

 

August 9, 2021 – Memphis, TN – Memphis Museum of Science & History Awarded Climate Initiative Grant

Grant to Fund Energy Assessments for Energy-Efficient Improvements at MoSH Facilities

The Museum of Science & History – MoSH announces the award of a Frankenthaler Climate Initiative grant conferred by the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation.  The first program of its kind supporting energy efficiency and clean energy projects for the visual arts in the U.S., the Frankenthaler Climate Initiative was developed in partnership with RMI, a leading global expert and advocate for clean energy, and Environment & Culture Partners consultancy, and was launched this past February as a $5-million, multi-year program.

MoSH is one of 79 grant recipients from the 2021 grant making cycle representing a broad cross-section of collecting institutions across more than 25 states, ranging from smaller specialized museums, including the Abbe Museum (ME) and Museum of International Folk Art (NM), to regional powerhouses like Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (FL) and Denver Art Museum (CO), to major encyclopedic institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art (NY) and National Gallery of Art (DC).

The award will fund ASHRAE Level 1 energy assessments at MoSH – Pink Palace and MoSH – Lichterman Nature Center. The assessments will be the basis of an implementable plan for energy-efficient improvements at both facilities.  MoSH will partner with Entegrity Energy Partners, LLC of Little Rock, AR to perform the energy assessments.

“The Frankenthaler Climate Initiative was conceived to move art museums toward net zero, and to set an example for all institutions and citizens to follow suit. We wanted to help U.S. art institutions join the climate fray. There is a void to be filled: a crying need to provide technical know-how and financial support to art institutions to scope their needs, define problems, and implement solutions. We made a wide swath of grants in the hope that private benefactors and public policy would continue to support these and other art institutions in their climate goals,” said Fred Iseman, President of the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation.

Added Foundation’s Director, Elizabeth Smith, “By documenting and sharing best practices and expanding our funding, the impact of the Frankenthaler Climate Initiative will not only be measured by the grants we confer but the impact over time on the sector as it supports the creation of greener and more sustainable institutions.”

MoSH qualified for the grant based on its collection of visual art representing Memphis and the Mid-South, including the iconic Burton Callicott murals and the Clyde Parke Circus.

“As we enter this decisive decade in the fight against climate change, every sector of the U.S. economy is called to aggressively reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Jules Kortenhorst, CEO of RMI. “Charitable institutions will require significant support for these technical and capital projects, but the good news is that so much of energy efficiency is cost-effective, providing financial benefits while reducing emissions. Every efficiency and clean generation project funded through the Frankenthaler Climate Initiative will be a form of endowment investment for the museum recipient and for the planet.”

FRANKENTHALER CLIMATE INITIATIVE EXPANDS TO $10 MILLION MORE THAN $5 MILLION AWARDED TO 79 ART MUSEUMS ACROSS U.S. AS PART OF INAUGURAL GRANTMAKING CYCLE  

Launched by Helen Frankenthaler Foundation in Partnership with RMI and Environment & Culture Partners, Initiative Advances Goal of Carbon Neutrality across the Visual Arts 

New York, NY—July 28, 2021—The Helen Frankenthaler Foundation announced today that it has increased the Frankenthaler Climate Initiative to a total commitment of $10 million and conferred $5.1 million to nearly 80 visual art institutions across the United States. The first program of its kind supporting energy efficiency and clean energy projects for the visual arts in the U.S., the Frankenthaler Climate Initiative was developed in partnership with RMI, a leading global expert and advocate for clean energy, and Environment & Culture Partners consultancy, and was launched this past February as a $5-million, multi-year program. In response to the range, depth, and need of applications from the first call for proposals, the Foundation is conferring the full initial commitment in its inaugural cycle and dedicating an additional $5 million to be awarded over the next two years.

The 79 grant recipients from the 2021 grantmaking cycle represent a broad cross-section of collecting institutions across more than 25 states, ranging from smaller specialized museums, including the Abbe Museum (ME) and Museum of International Folk Art (NM), to regional powerhouses like Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (FL) and Denver Art Museum (CO), to major encyclopedic institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art (NY) and National Gallery of Art (DC). With annual operating budgets ranging in size from $1 million to nearly $500 million, applicants’ diversity demonstrated an expansive interest and need for this support across the field. A full listing of grantees is available at frankenthalerclimateinitiative.org.

“The Frankenthaler Climate Initiative was conceived to move art museums toward net zero, and to set an example for all institutions and citizens to follow suit. We wanted to help U.S. art institutions join the climate fray. There is a void to be filled: a crying need to provide technical know-how and financial support to art institutions to scope their needs, define problems, and implement solutions. We made a wide swath of grants in the hope that private benefactors and public policy would continue to support these and other art institutions in their climate goals,” said Fred Iseman, President of the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation. “RMI, one of the world’s key thought, policy, and technology leaders in global carbon reduction, has agreed to work alongside us to provide our FCI grantees with its massive environmental engineering expertise for one reason: the importance of art as an instrument of enlightenment and public leadership. We are grateful to them and to Environment & Culture Partners, and delighted by the breadth and depth of the 79 institutions who successfully applied for grants to date. The enormous response caused us to double down on our commitment.” Added Iseman, “Life imitates art—think of Delacroix and his Liberty Leading the People. That painting helped overthrow the last French Bourbon king. We are proud to do our part in a climate call to arms.”

“Humanity is facing an existential crisis due to climate change. And since the arts can and should play a leadership role in focusing society on crucial issues, we have initiated our largest grant program to date to help museums participate in this all-important campaign against global warming. The Helen Frankenthaler Foundation wants to help galvanize the arts community to reach for a net-zero carbon footprint starting right now,” said the Foundation’s Chairman Clifford Ross.

Added Foundation’s Director, Elizabeth Smith, “By documenting and sharing best practices and expanding our funding, the impact of the Frankenthaler Climate Initiative will not only be measured by the grants we confer but the impact over time on the sector as it supports the creation of greener and more sustainable institutions.”

Reducing both operational costs and climate impacts for the planet, the inaugural grants support key interdependent goals at each of the institutions, including:

  • Providing critical funds to institutions to replace end of life systems, bring existing buildings up to current standards, and respond to evolving state and local policies, at Met Cloisters (NY), the Museum of Arts and Design (NY), and the Seattle Art Museum (WA);
  • Creating new avenues for museums to achieve long-term financial and operational sustainability, such as ICA Boston (MA) and Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MA), both of which anticipate that energy savings will pay back the investment made in new systems in less than two years;
  • Helping museums actualize their own climate goals, including climate neutral commitments made by such institutions as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (NY), Museum of Modern Art (NY), and The Davis (MA)
  • Advancing an institution’s ability to prepare for and respond to climate-driven disasters, including California Indian Museum and Cultural Center’s creation of a resilient power system and cleaner air system, which will improve museum operations while also establishing a safe haven for the public during forest fires; and Museo de Arte de Ponce’s (Puerto Rico) assessments for wall insulation and repair to create a climate-ready, earthquake-ready museum.

“As we enter this decisive decade in the fight against climate change, every sector of the U.S. economy is called to aggressively reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Jules Kortenhorst, CEO of RMI. “Charitable institutions will require significant support for these technical and capital projects, but the good news is that so much of energy efficiency is cost-effective, providing financial benefits while reducing emissions. Every efficiency and clean generation project funded through the Frankenthaler Climate Initiative will be a form of endowment investment for the museum recipient and for the planet.”

Applications were evaluated on the bases of both feasibility and impact, and monetary awards have been issued in proportion to the scope and timeline of the project. Awarded projects were evenly divided between scoping and technical assistance grants, which help museums understand the climate and energy mitigation opportunities at their facilities and support the specification and budgeting to allow for procurement and financing, and implementation grants, which provide partial and seed funding for fully specified projects. Recipients are required to track and report their energy and greenhouse gas reduction in Energy Star® Portfolio Manager, providing important data for the cultural sector and the climate movement. The Helen Frankenthaler Foundation will continue working with grantees through the coming years to share best practices and insights from their projects. The application process for the next grantmaking cycle is expected to commence in early 2022.

About the Frankenthaler Climate Initiative

The Frankenthaler Climate Initiative is the first nation-wide program to support energy efficiency and clean energy use for the visual arts and the largest private national grant-making program to address climate change action through cultural institutions. Its grants provide critical support to visual art museums in the United States seeking to assess their impact on the environment and to lower ongoing energy costs, which are among the highest fixed costs faced by museums. The Frankenthaler Climate Initiative builds on the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation’s commitment to social impact philanthropy, catalyzing change across critical issues in the arts.

The Frankenthaler Climate Initiative was launched and is managed in association with RMI, an independent nonprofit that engages businesses, communities, institutions, and entrepreneurs in accelerating the adoption of market-based solutions that cost-effectively create a clean, prosperous, and secure low-carbon future, and Environment & Culture Partners, a nonprofit that creates relationships and leads collaborations that engage the cultural sector in broader climate action

About Helen Frankenthaler Foundation

Established and endowed by Helen Frankenthaler during her lifetime, the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation advances the artist’s legacy and inspires a new generation of practitioners through a range of philanthropic, educational, and research initiatives. Since becoming active in 2013, the Foundation has continued to strategically expand its program, which includes organizing and supporting significant exhibitions of the artist’s work, fostering new research and publications, advancing educational programs in partnership with arts organizations around the world, and launching groundbreaking initiatives that foster systemic change in the field. As a primary resource on the artist, and a steward of her collection and archive, the Foundation holds an extensive selection of Frankenthaler’s work in a variety of mediums, her collection of works by other artists, and original papers and materials pertaining to her life and work.

August 4, 2021 – Memphis, TN – Pink Palace Crafts Fair Back for Its 49th Year 

Shop, Play and Explore at The Pink Palace Crafts Fair September 24- 26

The Pink Palace Crafts Fair is back bigger and better than ever for its 49th year at Audubon Park in East Memphis. The public is invited to come shop, play and explore at this year’s Crafts Fair September 24- 26. In addition to nearly 150 craftsmen and artists, this year’s Crafts Fair will feature lots of fun activities including the Craftsmen Demonstration Tent, Kid’s Activities Tent, Petting Zoo and the ever-popular choo-choo train.

This year, the Crafts Fair is in September instead of October. “We moved the event to September to be more accessible to children and families before they leave town for fall break in October. We also wanted to accommodate school groups during a time they are in school,” said Pam Dickey, Pink Palace Crafts Fair Chairman.

The Crafts Fair will include a host of food trucks where visitors can eat and drink to their heart’s content. Pronto Pups, turkey legs and more will be there for the eating. Craft beer and wine will also be available. Visitors will find a variety of eclectic pottery, jewelry, paintings, woodwork, leatherwork, sculpture, woven goods and so much more.

“After having to cancel last year’s Crafts Fair, we are really excited to be hosting the 49th edition of this iconic event. We’ll have close to 150 craftsmen as well as a whole new line-up of entertainment,” said Dickey.

The Crafts Fair is sponsored by First Horizon, The Marston Group, Marge Palazola and Friends of the Pink Palace.

Some of the craftsmen at this year’s Crafts Fair include broom maker Jack Martin, metalsmith Virginia Fisher, printmaker Martha Kelly, sculpture Lester Jones, well-known potter Agnes Stark and many others.

Parking is free.

For more information about the Pink Palace Crafts Fair, visit https://www.memphismuseums.org/join/friends-of-the-pink-palace/the-pink-palace-crafts-fair/

July 7, 2021 – Memphis, TN – Stargazing on The Lawn coming to the Museum of Science & History

Telescopes, Planetarium Shows, Activities & More Coming July 30th

Come explore the stars and planets through telescopes on the front lawn of the Pink Palace Mansion and enjoy other astronomy-related activities at MoSH Friday, July 30th from 7 PM to 10 PM.

Learn about different types of telescopes and enjoy a host of fun activities and talks for all ages on the Mansion lawn and inside the Museum. There will be short planetarium shows describing the night sky and astronomical laser shows approximately every 20 minutes.

Dr. Ann Viano, Professor of Physics at Rhodes College, will be bringing an 8″ telescope for guests to observe the night sky including planets Mars, Saturn and Venus.

The event will also include a series of talks/presentations. Bill Weppner, Apollo Mission Flight Controller, will be giving a presentation celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 15 mission. Joanne F. Rhodes, Professor of Physics and Materials Science at the University of Memphis, will be giving a talk entitled Ten Billion to One… the Voyage Solar System Experience.

Activities will include a filtered light demonstration showing how scientists can use telescopes and other tools to capture and filter different energies of light to study the universe. Visitors will also be able to make a scale model of the solar system and take a Solar System Walk in the Mansion.

The public is invited to join MoSH and partners the Memphis Astronomical Society, Rhodes College and the University of Memphis for an evening with the stars.

Admission to the event is $5. Children under 3 are free.

To learn more about Stargazing on The Lawn, visit https://www.memphismuseums.org/pink-palace-museum/events/observing-on-the-lawn/

For more information, please e-mail Bill Walsh at [email protected]