ALSO INSIDE At Home in Perkins Unfolding the Universe Honoring Staff, Volunteers, and Donors Evolution Is Trending WINTER 2023 CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
2 | EXPLORE WINTER 2023 VOLUME 11, NUMBER 1, Winter 2023 A publication produced by the Marketing Department of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History Sonia Winner, President & CEO Meenakshi Sharma, Senior Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer Melissa Santee, Chief Philanthropy Officer Gavin Svenson, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer Kate McCreary, Director of Marketing Content Writers: Sue Allen Nick Anderson Michael Donovan, Ph.D. Samantha Guenther Suzy Horvath Julie Jones Tom Leland Rachel Menge Garrett Ormiston Jim Nemet Gavin Svenson, Ph.D. Natalie Sears, Copy Editor Photography: Gus Chan Kamron Khan Photography Daniel Milner Mackenzie Tyson Impel Creative, Design Cover image: Rendering of future Museum, to be completed in 2024
EXPLORE WINTER 2023 | 3 CONTENTS Letter From the President & CEO 5 In the News 6 Evolution Is Trending 8 Debuting New Museum Spaces and Experiences At Home in Perkins 12 An Inside Look at Introducing Animals to the Museum Myles Garrett Tackles New Role 16 Museum’s First-Ever Community Science Ambassador Paulette Hervi Hughes 17 Volunteer of the Year A Revamped Space for Early Learners 18 New Smead Discovery Center—Presented by PNC Offers Enriching Hands-On Experiences Unfolding the Universe 20 NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope Revolutionizes Astronomy Investing in Success 24 Jones Day Foundation Supports Transformation and Educational Programming With Right Scientific Guidance, 26 We Can All Help Fight Climate Change Museum Astronomers Celebrated 28 the Autumn Equinox Featuring the Work of FRONT International 2022 Artist Asad Raza Transformative by Nature 30 Taking Science From the Field to the Community Dunk & Jane 33 Museum Icons on the Move Volunteer Spotlight 34 Remembering Diane Lucas Staff Spotlight 34 Avery Holter Protection Services Supervisor Board of Directors 35 Museum Appoints Two New Members
4 | EXPLORE WINTER 2023 Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. —Harriet Tubman “ ”
EXPLORE WINTER 2023 | 5 For more than 100 years, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History has worked to empower members of our community to see themselves in the story of life on Earth. Yet, our planet is just one small speck in the expanse of the Universe. From that perspective, it can be hard to imagine that we have the ability to change our planet for the better. But the Museum strives to offer the tools to make a difference. As Harriet Tubman put it, we must reach for the stars to change the world. I would also suggest we look to the stars to understand the broader context of our existence. We are all stardust—born of the same elements created billions of years ago in the cores of stars. Just as the ancient past has influenced our lives today, so, too, will we impact the future. This concept inspired one of the many interactive exhibits you’ll find in our new Museum, which is truly beginning to take shape. Featuring an expansion, a total redesign of our campus and all our exhibits, and the addition of new public spaces, this transformation project is completely reinventing the Museum. On page 8, learn more about the latest milestones in our project and the exciting lineup of new experiences that will greet our visitors this winter. As we make progress on this once-in-a-lifetime endeavor, we're continuing to share the wonders of science and nature. Whether explaining the breathtaking first photos from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, which you can explore on page 20, or caring for our resident animals, highlighted on page 12, Museum staff are reaching our visitors LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO in a variety of ways. In case you missed it in The Plain Dealer, you can read an op-ed by Dr. Gavin Svenson, recently promoted to Chief Science Officer, on page 26. And you can learn more on page 30 about the work of our newest curators and their enthusiasm for engaging our community. We would also like to recognize some of the incredible individuals and organizations that help bring to life our mission, vision, and strategic plan. In the following pages we spotlight a number of community leaders, including a new Museum ambassador (page 16), dedicated volunteers (pages 17 and 34), generous foundations (pages 18 and 24), and new members of our Board of Directors (page 35). I encourage you to forge your own path with our organization, whether as a Museum member, volunteer, or donor to our Annual Fund or Transforming the World of Discovery campaign. There are countless ways to support our mission. In our evolving world, it has never been more important that science inform our decisions for ourselves and our communities. As the Museum promotes science literacy and empowers individuals to engage meaningfully on issues of human health, climate change, protecting the environment, and other challenges, I invite you to join us on our journey. By working together, we can all find within us the strength, patience, and passion to reach for the stars and change our world for the better. Thank you, as always, for your investment in this remarkable institution. Sincerely, Sonia M. Winner President & CEO The Museum's future Planetary Processes Wing
6 | EXPLORE WINTER 2023 IN THE NEWS The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is making great progress toward becoming the Museum of the future—and the media is taking notice. The Museum invites you to follow along on its journey. MYLES GARRETT NAMED COMMUNITY SCIENCE AMBASSADOR Last August, the Museum was pleased to announce Myles Garrett, defensive end for the Cleveland Browns, as its first-ever Community Science Ambassador. The announcement garnered substantial interest from local media—including Fox 8, WOIO 19, News 5 Cleveland, WKYC, iHeart radio stations, and Crain’s Cleveland Business—and national sports media, including NFL News Now. Learn more about this collaboration in “Myles Garrett Tackles New Role” on page 16. DR. GAVIN SVENSON PROMOTED TO CHIEF SCIENCE OFFICER The Museum celebrated the promotion of Dr. Gavin Svenson to Chief Science Officer, a newly created role that reflects his significant contributions in shaping the Museum’s scientific strategy and future direction. Local media highlighted the news with articles on cleveland.com and in Crain’s Cleveland Business and the Chagrin Valley Times. Read Dr. Svenson’s recent Plain Dealer op-ed, “With Right Scientific Guidance, We Can All Help Fight Climate Change,” on page 26. GRANTS FROM INSTITUTE OF MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICES SUPPORT COLLECTIONS AND TRANSFORMATION The Museum was honored to receive two Museums for America grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Totaling $475,160, the grants will fund the development of a new interactive exhibit, Biological Processes: We Are All Connected, which will reveal how humans are both connected to and unique from all other organisms, and support expanded access to and enhanced preservation of the Hamann-Todd Non-Human Primate Collection. The news attracted coverage from local media. WILDLIFE STAFF WELCOMES TWO NEW OTTERS Last summer, two male North American river otters arrived at the Museum from Louisiana. The news made a splash among Museum visitors—and also caught the attention of WKYC, FreshWater Cleveland, Northeast Ohio Parent, and Fox 8’s Kenny Crumpton. Learn about the process of introducing Atticus and Emmett to their new environment in “At Home in Perkins” on page 12. Dr. Elizabeth “Ebeth” Sawchuk Dr. Emma Finestone Dr. Gavin Svenson DRS. FINESTONE AND SAWCHUK JOIN MUSEUM RESEARCH TEAM The Museum’s new Assistant Curator of Human Origins, Dr. Emma Finestone, and Assistant Curator of Human Evolution, Dr. Elizabeth “Ebeth” Sawchuk, received a warm welcome from Spectrum News, Crain’s Cleveland Business, and FreshWater Cleveland. Learn how their work is connecting the past, present, and future in “Transformative by Nature” on page 30.
EXPLORE WINTER 2023 | 7 In our last fiscal year, which ended June 30, 2022, more than 1,600 community members donated $3.2 million to the Museum. Every day, your Annual Fund support allows us to engage, empower, and inspire learners of all ages through the wonders of science and nature. 70,000 students and adults reached through educational programming 840 fish fed to otters during enrichment sessions 625 turtle talks presented, featuring 7 turtles Every Dollar Makes a Difference 12,775 pounds of food enjoyed by our wildlife ambassadors DID YOU KNOW? Nearly 2 million dollars were committed to the Museum last year through bequests. 62field trips offered in our natural areas MORE THAN 50 different habitats represented in our natural areas 138visiting scientists conducting research using our irreplaceable collection 5,ooo,ooo objects and specimens stewarded by 12 curators new 3D scans completed of Museum specimens 79 8,667 Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Community Days visitors welcomed in 2022
8 | EXPLORE WINTER 2023 Perhaps you’re familiar with Blackjack, the cashew-loving raven who makes his home in the Museum’s Ralph Perkins II Wildlife Center & Woods Garden— Presented by KeyBank. Blackjack is smart as a whip, refers to himself in the third person, and if you’re lucky he’ll say hello as you pass by. Like those of all modern birds, Blackjack’s origins can be traced to theropods, a branch of mostly meat-eaters on the dinosaur family tree. The evolutionary process that produced winged birds from these ground-dwelling bipeds took roughly 50 million years. Fortunately, the Museum’s evolution—from the more traditional Cleveland Museum of Natural History into a trailblazing institution that will change how humans understand and interact with the natural world—will have taken a fraction of that time. For those who are eager to see the end result in 2024, the waiting can feel like 50 million years. But the wait is well worth it: The Museum’s evolution has just entered its most exciting phase yet. flowing curve, evoking the glaciers that created Lake Erie. A dramatic Visitor Hall will feature floor-toceiling glass walls that dissolve the boundary between indoor and outdoor space, uniting the exhibits with the surrounding landscape. Free to the public, the Visitor Hall will spotlight some of the Museum’s most iconic objects and specimens. The transformation project also includes the construction of a 50,000-square-foot addition, which will expand the Museum’s building and outdoor visitor areas to more than 375,000 square feet. This space will contain the Planetary Processes Wing, a gallery exploring the processes and systems that shape planet Earth, and the Ames Family Curiosity Center, an Ohio-focused, hands-on area where you’ll have the chance to interact with scientists and educators. The Museum’s existing exhibit space will also undergo a total reinvention, eventually housing the Visitor Hall and the Biological Processes Wing. This wing will delve into the processes that This transformation represents a major shift not just for the Museum, but also in the centuries- old paradigm for how natural history museums engage the public. Rather than passively receiving information, visitors to the new Museum will participate in active experiences that illuminate the relevance of science and nature to their daily lives. The change is a timely one. Never has it been so clear that the survival of all species, including humans, will depend in part on a collective trust in science—both to educate us and to provide solutions that lead to a healthier planet. SNEAK PEEK: NEW SPACES Every aspect of the Museum’s $150 million transformation— from the new exhibits to the architecture to the landscape design—will underscore the dynamic connections between the environment and all living things. Inspired by the geological history of Northeast Ohio, the building’s new façade will take the form of a Evolution Is Trending Debuting New Museum Spaces and Experiences The Museum's future Biological Processes Wing
EXPLORE WINTER 2023 | 9 govern life on Earth and explore how life changes over time. The new exhibit galleries will use a combination of specimens and interactive elements to tell an engaging, integrated story—one that puts the visitor at the center of the experience. Encouraged to think like a scientist, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of your place in the natural world and the interconnectedness of humans and nature. Committed to instilling a sense of environmental stewardship, the new Museum will serve as a model of sustainability. Systems for rainwater harvesting and renewable energy will double as infrastructure and tools for educating the public about protecting natural resources. The entire building will achieve LEED certification, a designation awarded to construction projects that address carbon, energy, water, waste, transportation, materials, health, and indoor environmental quality. JUST COMPLETED: TRANSFORMATION MILESTONES The Museum’s stunning new Wade Oval Entrance opened to the public on December 7. This date also marked the debut of a new café with outdoor seating and a modernized, expanded Education Wing, which includes the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Community Space. In addition, the Museum celebrated the reopening of two of its most popular spaces: the updated Nathan and Fannye Shafran Planetarium and redesigned Smead Discovery Center—Presented by PNC, the Museum’s hands-on area for young learners. As the Museum embarks on its next phase of transformation, some attractions have been temporarily taken off exhibit, including the dinosaur and gem collections, prehistoric fish Dunkleosteus terrelli, the human ancestor Lucy, and Balto the famous sled dog. You can look forward to seeing these items showcased in new ways and new locations when more of the Museum’s reimagined spaces begin to open in the coming months and years. Throughout this time of transition, the Museum’s doors will remain open—and there will be plenty to see and discover. Visitors can continue to enjoy the live animals in Perkins, the Thelma and Kent H. Smith Environmental Courtyard, and Current Science presentations by curators and other guests. The new Museum's exterior Left: The Museum's future Planetary Processes Wing
10 | EXPLORE WINTER 2023 BIRDLY: AS CLOSE TO FLYING AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE In partnership with D3D Cinema, the Museum is hosting two temporary Birdly flight simulators in Fawick Gallery. Birdly’s immersive technology will take you on a full-body, perfectly synchronized virtual-reality journey. Through a synthesis of haptic engineering, robotics, game design, and biomechanics, Birdly eliminates the queasiness- inducing sensory disconnect of conventional VR. Birdly’s precise sensory-motor integration delivers an exhilarating, breathtaking experience. A head-mounted VR display will immerse you in a high-resolution virtual landscape filled with interactive zones and entertaining surprises. During your “flight” you may instinctively move your arms and hands—the same way a bird would flap its wings and manipulate its feathers to navigate and control speed and altitude. Each input is reflected in the virtual flight processor and returned as physical feedback through various movements. The Museum will offer a choice of flying avatars, from pterosaurs to birds, and is hosting the North American premiere of Butterfly, a new garden/pollinator POV flight simulator using next-level gaming graphics. Get ready to take flight and explore the world from a thrilling new perspective. 3D MOVIES IN MURCH AUDITORIUM The recently upgraded Murch Auditorium is now featuring award-winning, educational 3D films covering a wide range of topics, including oceans, prehistoric life, space, and more. Selected from D3D Cinema’s Cinefolio portfolio, the inaugural films are: Superpower Dogs, an immersive adventure celebrating the bravery of some of the world’s most amazing dogs, including Halo, a puppy training to join one of the most elite disaster-response teams in America; Henry, an avalanche-rescue expert in the mountains of British Columbia; Reef, a Newfoundland lifeguard with the Italian Coast Guard; Ricochet, a Californian surf legend helping people with special needs; NOW AVAILABLE: NEW EXPERIENCES The Museum is excited to present the following new experiences, now available to the public: Superpower Dogs Birdly flight simulator and Tipper and Tony, bloodhound brothers leading the fight to save endangered species in Africa. Narrated by actor Chris Evans. Dinosaurs Alive!, a global journey that brings to life creatures from the Triassic to the Cretaceous Period as paleontologists search for clues buried in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert and Ghost Ranch, New Mexico, and uncover fossilized evidence that dinosaur descendants may still walk (or fly) among us. Narrated by actor Michael Douglas. AMAZING INSECTS: A COLLECTION OF HUNDREDS OF INSECTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD From the collection of Ryan “The BugMan” Bridge, who since 1995 has been using insects and other arthropods to teach audiences about entomology, this temporary exhibit provides visitors with an up-close view of these underappreciated species— demonstrating that their purpose is not to harm humans, but to play a vital role in our world.
EXPLORE WINTER 2023 | 11 ANDY WARHOL’S ENDANGERED SPECIES In 1983, 10 years after the Endangered Species Act was signed into law, artist Andy Warhol created a series of screenprints in an effort to raise the profile of endangered animals and draw public attention to their plight. Endangered Species features portraits of 10 animals in peril, depicted in Warhol’s bold signature style. Donated to the Museum’s fine arts collection by Cleveland philanthropists Robert S. and Sylvia K. Reitman, these screenprints are one of only 150 sets created by the Pop Art icon. As of today, seven of the 10 highlighted animals remain at risk of extinction. JOHN JAMES AUDUBON’S BIRDS OF AMERICA The bound first-edition double- elephant-folio set of artist John James Audubon’s Birds of America is one of the most significant treasures in the Museum’s rare book collection. Beginning around 1820, Audubon set out to document every North American bird in its natural habitat. He traveled the United States, creating a vast array of field sketches and paintings. Featuring 1,065 birds representing 489 species, Birds of America contains 435 hand-colored engravings based on Audubon’s paintings. Committed to rendering each bird life-size, Audubon demanded the largest paper available—handmade and measuring 39.5 inches tall by 26.5 inches wide. The set was donated to the Museum by the Sherwin family in 1947. It’s estimated that no more than 175 complete folios were produced in the first edition. EXPLORE THE MUSEUM— MID-EVOLUTION The Museum of the future may be in progress, but these new exhibits and experiences promise to educate, engage, and delight. Don’t miss out—stop by the Museum this winter to take advantage of these special offerings. This transformation project is the most ambitious in the Museum’s history, and it has in large part been made possible by hundreds of generous individuals, families, foundations, corporations, and institutional donors. Thank you for supporting the Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s evolution into a museum unlike any other. ON EXHIBIT IN CORNING GALLERY: THE WORK OF ANDY WARHOL AND JOHN JAMES AUDUBON A home for rotating exhibits that highlight the intersection of art and nature, the reopened Corning Gallery is hosting its first installations: Warhol's Black Rhinoceros Detail of Audubon's Birds of America
12 | EXPLORE WINTER 2023 Amid the bustle of University Circle, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History contains a surprising slice of nature. One of the Museum’s most popular attractions, the Ralph Perkins II Wildlife Center & Woods Garden—Presented by KeyBank features 22 outdoor exhibit spaces housing a variety of native Ohio wildlife. Visitors to Perkins can observe the activities and habitats of 94 animals representing 35 species—from the smallest (a quarter-pound blue jay) to the largest (a male coyote weighing 45 pounds). By seeing these animals up close, visitors can engage with the natural world in safe, fun, and educational ways. Museum guests often wonder where these animal ambassadors come from, and how the Wildlife team chooses which species and individuals to care for. When the newly reimagined Perkins opened in 2016, under the leadership of then–Director of Wildlife Resources Harvey Webster, it was designed with the specific needs of Ohio- native wildlife in mind. Since then, the Museum has maintained an institutional animal-collection plan—a formal, comprehensive guide that identifies the optimum number of animals and species for a given habitat and for the wildlife center as a whole. The plan takes important considerations into account, including educational and exhibit value, care requirements, staff expertise, and ease of acquisition. It is intended to be flexible, with the ability to accommodate immediate changes if necessary. Perkins acquires new residents when space and animals become available. Any new species is considered on a case-by-case basis and must fit into the parameters of the collection plan. For example, when Hobbes, one of the Museum’s three male North American river otters, passed away last spring, current Director of Wildlife Jim Nemet moved quickly to locate a compatible exhibit mate for Calvin and Linus, the remaining otter pair. Nemet regularly reviews sources and lists of available animals provided by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources; local, state, and national animal rehabilitators; and other wildlife centers and zoos. While a single male otter wasn’t readily available, Nemet found a pair—Atticus and Emmett—that had been rescued from the fur trade in Louisiana and relocated to an Ohio rehabilitation center. The otters needed a permanent home, and Nemet believed the duo would likely get along with Calvin and Linus. Moreover, the Museum’s otter exhibit could accommodate two additions. In May, Atticus and Emmett arrived in Perkins and slowly began acclimating to their new environment. “The minute we decided to acquire two younger North American river otters, the planning began,” Nemet says. Acclimating animals to a new space—and to other animals already in the exhibit—is a careful, deliberate process. The Wildlife team prepares a written step-bystep plan for animal introductions that includes time together as well as time apart. Before Atticus and Emmett were introduced to their outdoor exhibit, they spent a routine 30-day quarantine in their night quarters, where Wildlife At Home in Perkins An Inside Look at Introducing Animals to the Museum Two of the Museum's otter ambassadors
EXPLORE WINTER 2023 | 13 Specialists monitored their diet and behavior and gave them slow but steady access to their outdoor space. The new pair also had visual access to Linus and Calvin. Eventually, under the watchful eyes of their keepers, who take their cues from the animals, the four were introduced to each other in their outdoor exhibit. “Thanks to advance planning and preparation by our Wildlife team, the new otters’ acclimation to Perkins has been successful in every respect,” Nemet says. “It’s wonderful for our guests to see four otters interacting and making great use of their habitat.” The Museum’s four coyotes also underwent a careful acclimation process. Charcoal, an adult female, arrived at the Museum in 2012 from a rehabilitation center, which had deemed her unable to return to the wild due to an injury. In 2015, the Museum acquired three sibling coyote pups—a female, Ember, and males Tex and Red—with the plan to house all four coyotes together. After several attempts to introduce the newcomers to Charcoal, the Wildlife team determined that the five-year age difference, combined with Charcoal’s history as a solo coyote and her preference for human interaction, prevented group living. Staff decided to house the three pups together while keeping Charcoal separate. “Red was the alpha male until late 2020, when Tex emerged as the alpha male. However, as the pups matured, he and Red began exhibiting aggressive behavior toward each other—which is not uncommon among males,” says Nemet. “The Wildlife staff decided to create a plan to introduce Tex to Charcoal and leave Red with his sister, Ember.” DIRECTOR OF WILDLIFE JIM NEMET ANSWERS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q: W hy can’t every albino raccoon observed within a 20-mile radius of the Museum come live in Perkins? A: E ach spring, the Museum receives multiple calls to rescue young albino raccoons. Unfortunately, we do not have the habitat space to take in each of these animals. In addition, many albino raccoons have health issues, which—going back to the importance of our collection plan—raise concerns about the level of care required. These animals lack coloration but are still normal raccoons, able to hunt and defend themselves. Unless injured, a wild albino raccoon is not a candidate for our collection. Q: W hy don’t animal births take place at the Museum? A: Our animals are not permitted to reproduce because our federal and state permits only allow us to serve as a holding and education facility. When the Museum agrees to acquire an animal, it commits to caring for that animal for life. If the Museum wanted to breed animals, we would need a separate propagation permit, which would allow for breeding but also require that we have the ability to send the offspring to different institutions, or even release them in the wild. Meeko the albino raccoon
14 | EXPLORE WINTER 2023 Through careful preparation and a written protocol, the introduction process began earlier this year. “The plan was to begin visually introducing Tex and Charcoal from a distance,” Nemet explains. “Eventually they seemed interested in one another, so the next step was to introduce them physically. At first Tex displayed little interest in Charcoal, and she was apprehensive of him. We started giving them positive reinforcement each time they came together, and we slowly increased their time with each other. Eventually they were together all day, but we would separate them at night. They now spend days and nights together but can be separated for individual training sessions or cleaning.” In the wild, coyotes can be found in different groupings. Occasionally they are alone, but most of the time they form small packs that include at least one pair—an alpha male and an alpha female. These packs can comprise other individuals separated from a previous group, looking to join a pack. With the introduction of Tex and Charcoal, Perkins is now home to two separate groups of coyotes— both including a male and a female, as they would probably be found in the wild. Like the Museum’s otters and coyotes, each resident of Perkins brings a unique story. These stories provide insight into Ohio nature, allowing visitors to deepen their connection with the world around them. To learn more about the Museum’s animal ambassadors, stop by Perkins and chat with a Wildlife Specialist. Keeper talks are offered several times daily. “Acclimating animals to a new space— and to other animals already in the exhibit—is a careful, deliberate process.” —JimNemet, Director ofWildlife Red the coyote
EXPLORE WINTER 2023 | 15 Whether your event is corporate or private, large or small, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History has a perfect space for your needs! AVAILABLE OPTIONS FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT: • The Thelma and Kent H. Smith Environmental Courtyard provides a beautiful outdoor setting for your corporate or social event. • Ideal for corporate programs, lectures, screenings, and performances, the newly upgraded Murch Auditorium can accommodate up to 440 guests. • Explore the night sky through an awe-inspiring astronomy presentation in the newly renovated Nathan and Fannye Shafran Planetarium. • Gather your group in the newly redesigned Corning Gallery, featuring rotating art installations and overlooking the Museum's courtyard. • The meeting rooms on our lower level function as creative learning spaces for children and adults alike. Each room is fully equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology. • Our atrium is the perfect location for a social gathering or corporate get-together. Make HISTORY With Your Next Event! TO LEARN MORE OR BOOK A SPACE: Contact Anne Thompson at athompson@cmnh.org CMNH.org/visit/host-an-event
16 | EXPLORE WINTER 2023 The Cleveland Museum of Natural History recently named Myles Garrett, accomplished defensive end for the Cleveland Browns, the Museum’s first-ever Community Science Ambassador. This collaboration will establish Myles as a leader in promoting the importance of science and STEM careers, especially for those underrepresented in the field, while supporting the Museum’s mission to foster science literacy. Passionate about education, Myles feels strongly that science is for everyone. As Community Science Ambassador, he is particularly dedicated to encouraging the community’s youngest members to pursue their interest in science and reinforcing the relevance of science to everyday life. His commitment to lifelong learning and removing barriers to access aligns with the Museum’s strategic priorities. “We have been so fortunate to get to know Myles, and we look forward to partnering with him in expanding access to science, especially in underserved communities,” says Sonia Winner, the Museum’s President & CEO. “This collaboration couldn’t begin at a better time, as the Museum undergoes a major transformation and redoubles its efforts to increase accessibility and engagement—key objectives outlined in our strategic plan.” As part of his ambassadorship, Myles will participate in opportunities that help to raise awareness of the Museum— including its collections, events, and educational programming— throughout Northeast Ohio, especially in the City of Cleveland. Known for his love of dinosaurs, Myles has frequented the Museum, visiting with its scientists and building a connection with its paleontology collection. His role will enable him to share his passion for science, in general, and paleontology, in particular, with new audiences. Myles is no stranger to inspiring Cleveland’s youth. Last summer, in collaboration with the Museum, United Way, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio, Myles invited local children to a special screening of Jurassic World: Dominion, where he and several Cleveland Browns teammates treated guests to a complimentary movie, snacks, and giveaways. Most recently, as United Way Ambassador, he hosted the Myles Garrett Back-to-School Kickoff to help prepare 200 children from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio for the start of the new school year. “I credit my family with teaching me the value of giving back to the community,” says Myles. “Cleveland is my community, and I want to do my best to be a positive role model for our kids. I’m excited to continue working with the Museum team to share their important mission. Together, we can spark curiosity, improve science education, and expand access in new and fun ways.” The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is proud to welcome Myles to the Museum family. Myles Garrett Tackles New Role Museum’s First-Ever Community Science Ambassador “I’m excited to continue working with the Museum team to share their important mission. Together, we can spark curiosity, improve science education, and expand access in new and fun ways.” —Myles Garrett, Community Science Ambassador
Paulette Hervi Hughes began volunteering in the Paleobotany Department in 2002, alongside the Cleveland Museum of Natural History's first Paleobotany Curator, Dr. Shyamala Chitaley. Hughes brought a background in geology to her volunteer role, and she built upon that foundation to become a veritable expert on fossil plants. In June 2022, Hughes was presented the Volunteer of the Year Award at the Museum’s annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. This honor recognizes her impressive commitment to the Museum—936 volunteer hours in 2021. During her time as a volunteer, Hughes has performed a variety of duties in the Paleobotany Department, including working on databases, preparing specimen loans for researchers at other institutions, helping with numerous outreach events, solving many of the mysteries that crop up in older collections, and completing a myriad of miscellaneous tasks. She has even personally helped to expand the collection by facilitating the donation of Duke University’s pollen collection—one of the world’s largest collections of African pollen—and the donation of the paleobotany teaching collection from her alma mater, Bowling Green State University. As a result, Hughes has earned praise from researchers around the world—and acknowledgment in their papers for the assistance she provided when they visited the Museum’s paleobotany collection. Hughes has an encyclopedic knowledge of the department and its history. When a specimen is mentioned, she will often know the specimen number off the top of her head and immediately run off to find it. She can identify the handwriting of seemingly anyone who has ever volunteered or worked in the department, and will usually follow the identification with an anecdote about the writer. Her command of the department’s arcane card catalogs is unequaled; her work translating this information into the Museum’s digital database has made the collection significantly more usable. Understanding the importance of conserving the collection for future research, Hughes stresses proper specimen care and storage, data curation, and maintenance of digital and physical copies of records. During the pandemic, Hughes continued to volunteer from home and devote many hours to preparing the specimen database for its online debut, making it accessible to the public and researchers worldwide. Hughes’s tirelessness is legendary. She wakes up extremely early for her daily Richard Simmons video or swim exercises, and she often gets a sudden burst of energy—usually put to good use organizing things. This boundless energy is not confined to normal working hours. More than once, Museum staff have awoken to a text from Hughes at 6:30am on a Saturday with an idea about what needs to be accomplished ASAP. Hughes’s presence has been the one constant throughout the Paleobotany Department’s history. When previous staff members have retired or moved on, she has personally shared her knowledge with new employees and volunteers. This continuity has been invaluable; no amount of documentation can match Hughes’s familiarity with the collection. The Paleobotany Department is very fortunate that Hughes has chosen to volunteer her time, skills, and expertise over the last 20 years. Paulette Hervi Hughes: Volunteer of the Year EXPLORE WINTER 2023 | 17
18 | EXPLORE WINTER 2023 A Revamped Space for Early Learners New Smead Discovery Center—Presented by PNC Offers Enriching Hands-On Experiences As the Cleveland Museum of Natural History continues its transformation, new approaches to educational programming will complement its physical reinvention. These approaches reflect the Museum’s commitment to offering accessible, dynamic, and fun experiences to all its audiences, including its youngest visitors. The new Museum will play a pivotal role in building science literacy, inspiring a passion for the natural world that sets the stage for lifelong learning. Fortunately, like-minded organizations in the community are eager to lend their support. The Museum was recently awarded a $120,000 grant from the PNC Foundation, which focuses on early-childhood education and community and economic development. This three-year grant has supported the reimagining of Smead Discovery Center, the Museum’s hands-on learning center for young children. “Educational programs like those offered in Smead Discovery Center are vital for keeping children engaged and learning year-round,” says Pat Pastore, PNC Regional President for Cleveland. “Soon, the Museum will become an even more inviting learning space that attracts more visitors and provides an economic benefit to the city through jobs and increased tourism. Most important, the Museum has continued to prioritize educational programs at a time when children need them most.” The new Smead Discovery Center—Presented by PNC, which opened to the public on December 7, primarily serves children ages 7 and younger, including babies and toddlers. Providing accessible activities for all styles of learners, the space encourages exploration and discovery through play. Over the next three years, Museum educators will craft and deliver new programming built around rotating themes. These programs will feature handson learning stations that engage young visitors in the wonders of science and nature. Children will leave the Discovery Center curious and inspired, seeing the world around them as a playground of infinite possibility. Dedication of Smead Discovery Center—Presented by PNC
EXPLORE WINTER 2023 | 19 “We’re excited for this unique opportunity to inspire our young guests to embrace a lifetime of learning in a new, state-of-the-art facility,” says Sonia Winner, the Museum’s President & CEO. “Through our transformation, we are laying the foundation for a new generation of science-minded researchers, medical professionals, educators, and civic leaders. We couldn’t be more grateful for PNC’s support as we work toward this goal.” “ ” Educational programs like those offered in Smead Discovery Center are vital for keeping children engaged and learning year-round. —Pat Pastore, PNC Regional President for Cleveland
20 | EXPLORE WINTER 2023 What can we discover in the far reaches of the Universe? How do galaxies form? Are we alone? These longstanding questions may finally find answers. Last summer, astronomy captured mainstream headlines when Earth received the first set of images from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope on July 12. An ambitious feat of science and a metaphorical time machine, this telescope will allow astronomers to peer back 13.5 billion years to the origins of the Universe. “It’s amazing to think that we’ll be viewing the Universe when it was just a few percent of its current age—a time when the very first galaxies were starting to take shape,” says Nick Anderson, Senior Astronomer & Manager of Astronomy at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. The James Webb Space Telescope, also known as JWST or Webb, is an orbiting infrared observatory with goals to complement and expand on the discoveries of the Hubble Space Telescope. Launched on December 25, 2021, aboard the Ariane 5 ECA rocket, Webb spent one month traveling to its final orbit destination—the second Sun-Earth Lagrange point, located approximately 1 million miles from Earth. Anderson emphasizes that this point is considerably farther than Hubble’s low-Earth orbit, which sits approximately 375 miles from Earth. The Webb team has analyzed its trajectory and determined the observatory should have enough propellant to support operations for 10 years of research and discovery. Unfolding the Universe NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope Revolutionizes Astronomy Photo credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI James Webb Space Telescope's First Deep Field
EXPLORE WINTER 2023 | 21 Designed to look deeper into space than ever before, Webb is equipped with a 21.3-foot primary mirror (2.7 times larger in diameter than Hubble’s) that consists of 18 thin, gold-coated beryllium mirror segments. A larger mirror means greater light-gathering power. But the biggest structure of the observatory is actually its sunshade—clocking in at the size of a tennis court. Webb’s specific orbit around the Sun was chosen to keep it in line with the Earth, allowing the extra-large sunshield to protect the telescope from the light and heat of the Sun, Earth, and Moon. “Hubble completely revolutionized the field of astronomy—and we’re expecting big things from Webb, too,” says Anderson. “But NASA likes to refer to the telescope as a successor to Hubble, not a replacement. That’s mainly because Webb will be studying the Universe in a different light.” The impressive instruments aboard the Webb observatory are working primarily in the infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum— another upgrade from the technology aboard Hubble. Considered a “next generation” telescope that will utilize unprecedented infrared sensitivity and coverage, it will allow astronomers to begin comparing the faintest, earliest galaxies to today’s spiral and elliptical galaxies—helping add yet another piece to the galaxy-formation puzzle. “Most galaxies seem to be moving away from us. And the farther away a galaxy, the faster it appears to be moving—evidence that we’re living in an expanding universe,” says Anderson. “Over long periods of time, this constant stretching of space alters the light that we can detect from extremely distant objects.” According to Anderson, “redshift” is an electromagnetic example of a familiar physical phenomenon known as the Doppler effect. As an ambulance siren moves away from you, the sound waves become stretched, creating lower-pitched sounds. Similarly, as galaxies are carried away from us, the light that is emitted is stretched out and shifted to longer, redder wavelengths. As a result, redshift increases with distance. The farther away we can observe astronomical anomalies, the further back in time we’re studying. Therefore, in order for scientists to study the origins of the Universe—the earliest star and galaxy formation—Webb’s technology was optimized to detect and document infrared light. Webb can also see beyond the dust clouds that typically hinder visible-light observatories like Hubble. Star formation occurs in dense, dusty clouds that obscure visible wavelengths—but infrared light, with much longer wavelengths, is not blocked. “Star-forming regions are a lot like dusty cocoons, hiding the places where new stars are being born,” says Anderson. “Infrared telescopes like Webb are capable of peering deep within these structures to reveal the earliest stages of star and planet formation.” The Museum’s astronomy team has been busy dissecting Webb’s first images in local media interviews and Current Science presentations. Last July, Anderson was featured on Channel 3 to discuss the Webb images known as First Deep Field and Stephan’s Quintet—the former being the deepest and sharpest image to date of the distant Universe. Webb’s First Deep Field photo, which contains the galaxy cluster SMACS 0723, is teeming with thousands of galaxies—including the faintest objects ever observed in the infrared spectrum. This deep field, taken by Webb’s Near- Infrared Camera (NIRCam), is a composite made from images at different wavelengths. Mind- numbingly, it includes several galaxies seen when the Universe was less than a billion years old— a look back in time to more than 13 billion years ago. Anderson reminds us that this image still represents just a tiny sliver of the vastness of space, and likens the size of the patch of sky to that of a grain of sand held at arm’s length. “It’s amazing to think that we’ll be viewing the Universe when it was just a few percent of its current age—a time when the very first galaxies were starting to take shape.” —Nick Anderson, Senior Astronomer &Manager of Astronomy Photo credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI James Webb Space Telescope construction
22 | EXPLORE WINTER 2023 Stephan’s Quintet may sound familiar from its role in the 1946 holiday classic It’s a Wonderful Life, but NASA’s Webb telescope reveals the five galaxies in a new light. This galactic mosaic, constructed from almost one thousand separate images, is Webb’s largest image to date, containing more than 150 million pixels. Never-before-seen details of young stars, regions of active star formation, and sweeping tails of gas and dust help us to understand galactic activity during gravitational collisions. A shocking bonus: Webb captured an enormous shock wave as galaxy NGC 7318B slams through the cluster. According to Anderson, these images are just the beginning. “I was blown away by the first set of images, and I can’t wait to see more,” he says. “I think there’s a lot of potential here to increase public interest in astronomy.” Museum visitors now have the chance to catch up on the latest astronomy news in the Nathan and Fannye Shafran Planetarium, which reopened to the public on December 7. The refurbished planetarium features an upgraded software system (Digistar 7) to improve visual quality, additional seating capacity, and a repainted interior. Most important, the Museum’s astronomy team has been hard at work developing curricula highlighting NASA’s Webb Telescope. The new planetarium program Unfolding the Universe takes viewers on a deep dive into Webb’s technology and unveils its latest images in stunning, large-scale detail. Museum guests will have a front-row seat as astronomers zoom out to some of the most distant galaxies ever observed, uncover the dramatic birth and death of stars, and explore atmospheres of intriguing alien worlds. Building on the legacy of NASA’s previous space-based telescopes, Webb is expected to advance the boundaries of human knowledge. Join the Cleveland Museum of Natural History in welcoming a new era of astronomy. “I was blown away by the first set of images, and I can’t wait to see more.” —Nick Anderson Photo credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI Photo credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI Below: James Webb Space Telescope's Stephan's Quintet Left: James Webb Space Telescope construction
After working at the Museum for 42 years, Kathy was inspired to give back to the institution she loves. “Including the Museum in my estate plan was such an easy thing to do—the Museum family feels like my family,” says Kathy. “I invite others to join me and consider including the Museum in their long-term plan.” Leaving a legacy at the Museum is easy. Join our Legacy Society of donors to inspire lifelong learning and create memories for generations to come. Visit CMNH.makeaplannedgift.org to learn more, or contact Diane Strachan, CFRE, at 216.231.2060 or dstrachan@cmnh.org for a confidential discussion. Kathy Fouts is making her mark in the community by becoming a Legacy Society member. Leave Your Legacy at the Museum Make a lasting impact on future generations.
24 | EXPLORE WINTER 2023 During this time of change, the support of corporate partners is vital to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History's success in achieving its mission. The Museum recently received a $300,000 grant from the Jones Day Foundation dedicated to both its transformation project and its innovative educational programming. The Jones Day Foundation is a nonprofit organization funded by the lawyers and staff of the global law firm Jones Day. The Foundation’s mission includes the support of many global initiatives, including those that foster innovation in academics, medicine, and the arts. The Jones Day Foundation’s investment will not only help the Museum to preserve its collections for future generations, but will also increase its capacity to serve as an educational resource for a wide range of audiences, particularly underserved communities in Northeast Ohio. “Like the Museum, Jones Day and the Jones Day Foundation share a passion for giving back to the community,” says John M. Saada, Jr., Partner-inCharge of Jones Day’s Cleveland office. “I am thrilled that the Foundation is supporting award-winning educational programming that will serve our local communities.” The grant will help the Museum completely redesign its galleries, update classroom and learning spaces, build two new studios for its acclaimed Virtual Field Trips & Learning Experiences, and develop educational programming tailored to its new facilities. Investing in Success Jones Day Foundation Supports Transformation and Educational Programming
“We are exceedingly grateful to the Jones Day Foundation for its support of our transformation,” says Sonia Winner, the Museum’s President & CEO. “Its generous investment is allowing us to reimagine all of our exhibits and reshape the way our visitors interact with the natural world. The new Museum will advance our commitment to offering accessible and meaningful learning opportunities for generations to come.” Through its transformation, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History aims to become a museum unlike any other. The new facilities, to be completed in late 2024, will ensure its ability to deliver unparalleled educational initiatives, research, and public services to all. “The Cleveland Museum of Natural History has provided invaluable educational programming to Northeast Ohio students for decades,” says Heather Lennox, Practice Leader of Jones Day’s Business Restructuring Reorganization practice. “We are pleased that the Jones Day Foundation is supporting its ongoing mission of providing interactive and unique experiences to our area’s children.” “ ” The new Museum will advance our commitment to offering accessible and meaningful learning opportunities for generations to come. —Sonia Winner, President & CEO The Museum's reimagined education spaces
26 | EXPLORE WINTER 2023 July 2021 was the world’s hottest month in 143 years of recordkeeping. July 2022 was the sixth hottest month. For 2022, the global surface temperature has been the sixth highest on record, making us 99% likely to rank among the 10 warmest years ever recorded. These records are not anomalies; they are evidence of an alarming trend. The world has experienced a greater rate and magnitude of warming in the past 150 years compared to the prior 24,000 years. The data is unequivocal. Some may reply that the world has been hot in the past, and they are correct, but that world was better suited for dinosaurs, not humans. At times, millions of years ago, the global average temperate reached as high as 80°F. Compare that with the past 10,000 years, when the world’s average temperature has remained very stable at just under 60°F. We humans took advantage of this stable, predictable world and developed agriculture and built societies. The resources for this human advancement were harvested from a reliable ecosystem. Increasing the global average temperature just a few degrees would throw off weather patterns, disrupt food production, impact the survival of plants and animals, and fundamentally change ecosystems. In other words, the very things we have always relied on will become less reliable. Supporting ourselves will become more difficult, expensive, and potentially even impossible. It is easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless in the face of the seemingly endless bad news. As a parent, I look at my children and wonder about the world they will inherit. As a scientist, I worry for With Right Scientific Guidance, We Can All Help Fight Climate Change Recently named Chief Science Officer at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Dr. Gavin Svenson oversees a research and conservation staff, a collection comprising millions of objects spanning diverse fields of science, and 12,000 acres of protected and stewarded natural areas across northern Ohio. An entomologist with expertise in the biological diversity and evolutionary history of praying mantises, Dr. Svenson is building interdisciplinary teams at the Museum that will contribute to its transformation project and continued scientific leadership. The following op-ed by Dr. Svenson appeared in The Plain Dealer on September 16, 2022. everyone in our city—and the world—when I think about the consequences of climate change already impacting life. The most important thing I can stress is not to let this depress you. Let it motivate you. These problems are real, but solvable, and we can all play a vital role in those solutions. This spring, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change of the United Nations released a report detailing the strategies necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions—a major factor in climate change. It underscores the need to implement these strategies immediately to maintain our world as we know it. To accomplish this, we need our communities to get involved. Something that gives me hope are the results of a nationwide survey the Cleveland Museum of Natural History commissioned, demonstrating that 88% of
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