The MSU Museum is host to many wonderful and insightful exhibits. A major exhibition program for 2012 is “Echoes of Silent Spring: 50 Years of Environmental Awareness.”
The exhibit derives from the book Silent Spring, written by Rachel Carson and published in 1962. Silent Spring alerted the public to the potential dangers in pesticide use, which resulted in intense scrutiny to the use of pesticide. The book presents research with close connection to Michigan State University’s wildlife studies. “Echoes of Silent Spring” goes beyond the book and considers many interrelated issues, such as environmental sustainability, agricultural practices, ethics, law and women in science.
Supplements to the exhibit include an educational website and a campus walking trail.
Many believe the impact of Silent Spring to be for the better, but some suggest the changes have been negative. The MSU Museum invites visitors to experience the exhibit, read the book and be the judge.
Other exhibits at the MSU Museum:
- Evolution In Action explores evolution of biological systems and technologies.
- Cruisin’ the Fossil Freeway combines visuals and stories from the book with real fossil specimens.
- Michigan and the Civil War highlights on Michigan connections in the Civil War using pieces from MSU Museum’s historical collection.
The museum also hosts a variety of long-term exhibits.
The MSU Museum is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; and Sundays 1 p.m.–5 p.m. All exhibits are free.
For more information on current and upcoming exhibits, and events visit their website.