New Exhibit Explores Race at Science Museum

RACE: Are We So Different?

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Race, racism and just how different are we? A new exhibit at the Science Museum takes a closer look.
Race, racism and just how different are we? A new exhibit at the Science Museum takes a closer look.
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By: Richmond.com Staff | Richmond.com
Published: February 02, 2012
Updated: February 05, 2012 - 9:42 AM

As Cornel West says, “Race matters.”

Or does it?

A new exhibit at the Science Museum of Virginia -- RACE: Are We So Different? – explores issues of race, racism and just how different we are.

For starters, did you know that we’re all African?

With Africa being the common point of origin, the exhibit shows, "All humans alive today have African ancestors."

No matter what race.

Interesting…

And that’s just one of many points that the new exhibit explores.

Running from Jan. 28, 2012 through April 29, 2012, you’ll also see:

--A video where teen girls talk about race and how some teenagers still think “lighter” is better….

--A station where visitors can scan their skin and watch it appear next to skin images from dozens of other visitors to see the differences…

--A history lesson on “race science” in the 19^th and 20^th century that tried to legitimize racial and ethnic inqualities

--A recreated pharmacy that provides the setting for stories about race and racism in the Health Care System.

--Live Science Demos that explore the world of genetics and how characteristics are passed from one generation to the next. The program looks at how genes, heredity and environmental factors influence the way people look.

And those are just a few of the things you’ll see at RACE: Are We So Different?

RACE is a project of the American Anthropological Association. RACE is included in general museum admission, $10 for ages 4-12, $11 ages 13-59 and free for members.

And don’t forget the Family Cultural Sundays running now through April.

This Saturday, Feb. 4, the museum celebrates cultural heritage through music and song. Featuring performances from City Singers, Nirmal Bajekal, University of Richmond Taiko Drumming Ensemble, Imamyar Hasanov, Richmond Youth Peace Project, Ban Caribe and Journey to Africa Drum Workshop. Find out more on our story.