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
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