Encouraging community adventure

MOR brings on new exhibitis

By Jessianne Wright EBS Contributor

BOZEMAN – Two new photographic exhibits decorate the halls of Bozeman’s Museum of the Rockies, both of which invoke the themes of travel, adventure and exploration of our world.

According to MOR’s Director of Marketing and Engagement Mark Robinson, the exhibits offer a fresh look at our surroundings, and include large-format photographs accompanied by related stories, journal entries and maps.

The first, “National Geographic’s 50 Greatest Photographs,” features iconic images from the 125-year National Geographic magazine history.

The second exhibit, “Across the Andes,” is an inspirational story in itself, Robinson said. The display chronicles the journey of local conservationist Gregg Treinish and environmental filmmaker Deia Schlosberg on their 7,800 mile-long trek through the Andes Mountains.

“This world we all share is an amazing place and these images bring the beauty, emotion and power of people, places and things to each viewer,” Robinson said.

In addition to viewings open to the general public between Feb. 27 and May 22, these exhibits will be incorporated into two MOR events intended to inspire the community’s youth: “Scout Day 2016: Trek Through Time” and “Daring to Adventure with Deia Schlosberg.”

On Saturday, March 5, approximately 300 preregistered boys and girls from around the region participated in “Scout Day 2016: Trek Through Time,” having the chance to view and learn about these two new exhibits.

According to Angie Weikert, MOR Education and Public Programs Director, this year’s event will be the most exciting to date in part because of the museum’s effort to “bring about a sense of adventure.”

Kabul, Afghanistan, 1967 | Covered by a traditional chadri, an Afghan woman balances caged goldfinches at a market in Kabul. Photo by Thomas J. Abercrombie

To introduce this idea, wildland firefighter and wilderness ranger T.J. Flanagan discuseds worldwide adventuring in a presentation to the scouts, drawing on her lifestyle of dynamic exploration within her backyard, across the country and around the world.

Other activities will build on this presentation, as geocaching turns map-reading into an adventure, Weikert said.

Additionally, scouts may participate in a dinosaur dig with paleontologist Jack Horner, as well as view a custom planetarium show featuring circumpolar constellations in the night sky.

Continuing its themes of travel, adventure and exploration, MOR will host an evening event for teen girls with Deia Schlosberg on Friday, March 11 from 5-8 p.m. at Bozeman’s REI.

Schlosberg will reference her journey from “Across the Andes,” which led National Geographic to name her a 2009 Adventurer of the Year. She will discuss how exploration and adventure can inspire self-improvement, as well as improvement of the world. Girls between 10 and 14 years old are invited to preregister for the event at MOR’s website.

California, United States 1977 | A camera mounted on the tail of a Lockheed L-1101 captures the lights of an airport runway and city beyond. Photo by Bruce Dale

Both of MOR’s new photographic exhibits support the mission to “bring the world to Montana and Montana to the world,” Robinson said.

“I think it’s important to show our community the potential all museums have in educating our youth,” Weikert added. “Instilling a sense of adventure in children today is critical to create the next generation of … creative thinkers who are able to understand the complex relationship between various cultures around the world and our natural environment.”

Visit museumoftherockies.org for more information.