North Museum’s Shallow Seas Available for Traveling Exhibit
First exhibit fully curated from North Museum’s collections
(LANCASTER) SEPT 29, 2024—From the North Museum’s 250,000+ objects in its collections, a new main exhibit brings forward its cache of marine-based treasures as Shallow Seas, now through May 31, 2025. Highlighting animal and plant life found in the sunlit waters around the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, the 1,500 square-foot exhibit includes informational panels, collections’ objects, and opportunities to repurpose existing exhibit fixtures that combine to be an exhibit that the North Museum is offering as a traveling exhibition.
Through the exploration of three marine habitats—the Caribbean Sea, Coastal Atlantic, and Arctic Ocean—specimens of sea life, shells, and plants depict life that is present in each ecosystem, and how each has evolved traits to survive and sometimes thrive in their environments.
“There are over 100 different marine species represented in this exhibit across a wide span of the animal kingdom, making Shallow Seas a great entry point to the interconnected nature of our marine habitats, appealing to all students who have an interest in our oceans,” said Molly Wolanski, North Museum’s exhibits and collections manager. “While visitors will be more familiar with species like hermit crabs, sharks, and corals, they will also encounter lesser-known species like the arrow crab or blood olive (related to a cowrie).”
The self-directed exhibit features signage and bold graphics presented in both English and Spanish. Dozens of items such as the jaws of a Great White Shark, a Narwhal tusk and walrus skull add the three-dimensional experience to the dynamic panels.
“Designing these panels has allowed us to share North Museum’s treasured collection in a fun, engaging way,” said creative director Jon Derk. “By embracing bilingual storytelling, we’re excited to connect with every visitor and invite them to experience the rich stories of our oceans and how we are connected to them. The way this exhibit is designed to travel will allow other museums the ability to customize the panels to fit their own unique collections and floor space.”
Inquiries regarding the traveling exhibition should be directed to Jon Derk at jderk@northmuseum.org or 717.358.4149.
“Shallow Seas marks a new milestone in exhibition development as North Museum’s first exhibit that is curated entirely from its collections,” said CEO Andrea Rush. “We are excited to share this experience with other museums’ visitors, as they will be immersed in the fascinating ecosystems of sunlit waters from the Caribbean to the Arctic and learn how we can work together to limit further damage to these resources.”
Visitors explore how these ocean habitats are connected through ocean currents and migratory species, as Shallow Seas explores the fragility of these systems and the threats they face in a changing world and warming ocean. An optional collaborative artwork project allows visitors to lend their creative touch to the exhibit by enhancing an ever-evolving coral reef with underwater life that can be colored and added, making the experience informative and appealing to all ages.
Now in its 72nd year, the North Museum of Nature and Science impacts thousands of central Pennsylvania students and their families annually through its education initiatives in the Museum, in the community, and at home. Programs include field trips, early childhood education programs, summer camps, STEM Sisters, the Science and Engineering Fair for middle and high school students, and many other educational programs designed to create access to free and reduced-cost STEM learning opportunities and strengthen the foundation of youth in the Lancaster community and beyond. For more information on Sponsorships and Giving, please contact Scott Downs, Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships at sdowns@northmuseum.org or 717-358-7188.
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