The Natural History Society of Maryland is redoing their public exhibit halls, including a new exhibit on shark science and conservation. I’m helping them to design it, we’re fundraising, and we can use your help!
The centerpiece of the exhibit is a shark diving cage with a fascinating history: It was used during the filming of “Blue Water, White Death,” one of the earliest and most influential shark documentaries.
Here’s how the Society describes the proposed exhibit:
“Inside the cage, kids will step into the role of shark scientists, experiencing what it’s like to conduct real research out at sea—without ever leaving the museum floor. Through hands-on activities, they’ll practice catching, identifying, and measuring sharks, searching for distinctive markings, tagging specimens, and even simulating the collection of biological samples. These activities mirror the exact methods scientists use on research vessels today, sparking curiosity and inspiring future marine biologists.”
We’re basing this activity on the real shark research workup protocol used by my colleagues at Field School. We’ll also feature photos of the Natural History Society of Maryland membership working with sharks during an expedition with me, highlighting some of the research methods students will use when visiting the shark cage! And we’ll include videos of shark science and conservation experts explaining what the data students are practicing collecting gets used for.
In addition to hands-on interactive research, the new exhibit will include a look at some influential shark science and conservation experts with a connection to the state of Maryland, including Genie Clark. World renowned shark photographer and NHSM Trustee Nick Caloyianis and local shark scientist Lucy Howey will also be contributing their expertise, footage, and specimens to highlight shark species found in Maryland waters, and to teach visitors about shark conservation using lessons from my book “Why Sharks Matter.”
I’m thrilled to be working on this project, and the end result is going to be amazing! But we need your help to make it happen. The Natural History Society of Maryland is seeking to raise $3,000 for materials for this exhibit, and as of this writing have raised $450. and I hope you’ll consider donating here, all donors will be thanked in exhibit signage!
Thanks for your support!