UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Chris Widga, director or the Earth and Mineral Sciences’ Museum & Art Gallery and research professor of geosciences, will give the talk, “Museums as partners in broader impact activities,” at 4 p.m. on Monday, March 3, in 112 Walker Building at Penn State University Park.
“Public-facing museums have been part of teaching and training at Penn State since 1855,” Widga said. “Over time, the format footprint and focus of museum organizations — across campus — has evolved. The 21st century museum is multifaceted. As a repository of data, samples and specimens, it vouchers research that occurred in the past for future generations. In the present, it connects to communities through exhibits, programs and public-facing resources as a trusted source of information. It also provides a model of an organization that is sustainable, resilient and responsive to community needs for many generations into the future. Museums provide many opportunities for reaching nontechnical audiences and stakeholders in engaging and measurable ways.”