RACE: ARE WE SO DIFFERENT?
What does the word “race” mean to you? A new pilot exhibit, “RACE: Are We So Different?,” looks at race through the lens of science, history and personal experiences to promote a better understanding of human variation. It is based on the large-scale exhibition of the same name, hosted by the Museum in 2017.
FAQ
- Where: NC Museum of Natural Sciences, on the 4th floor of the Nature Exploration Center at 11 West Jones Street in downtown Raleigh.
- Cost: Free.
- Recommended ages:The content in this exhibit is geared to high school age and above. We do encourage parents and guardians with younger children to visit and discuss the exhibit with them.
- Companion website: talkaboutrace.org
- Is this the same exhibit as the one from 2017? No, the material in this exhibit has been condensed and updated with information specific to the southeastern US, and details the recent shift in how Americans view systemic issues related to race.
- Why is a science museum talking about race? Race is a biological myth, but a social reality. Race and human biological variation are separate concepts, but racism has impacted science in numerous ways throughout history. The exhibit explores how, when and why the idea of race emerged, knowledge that lays the groundwork for understanding and undoing racism.
This exhibit is made possible with support from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, NC Humanities, Burroughs Wellcome Fund and the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. All aspects of RACE are fully bilingual, available in both English and Spanish. Feedback on the pilot exhibit will be incorporated into a further-updated exhibit next year, allowing local NC community members to help shape the content and spirit of this effort.