Extraordinary Ideas from Ordinary People, San Diego Natural History Museum, San Diego, CA

Extraordinary Ideas from Ordinary People: A History of Citizen Science highlights naturalists—both past and present—and the impact their work and observations has had on science as we know it today. Rare books, art, photographs, and historical documents from our Research Library’s 56,000-volume collection are displayed alongside plant and animal specimens and brought to life through touchable objects and multimedia experiences that allow deeper access to the works on display. The overarching theme of Extraordinary Ideas is a simple one: you do not need to be a scientist to participate in science.

As Vice President of Engagement and Education at The San Diego Natural History Museum, I was the project director for this permanent exhibition about the history—and the future—of citizen science is housed in the Eleanor and Jerome Navarra Special Collections Gallery, which was opened to the public in summer 2016. 

Extraordinary Ideas from Ordinary People: A History of Citizen Science received an Honorable Mention from the American Alliance of Museums 29th Annual Excellence in Exhibition Competition in 2017.