Smithsonian's Ocean Science Initiative: a Partnership between the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Abstract

The Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History is launching an Ocean Science Initiative (OSI), which includes an Ocean Web Portal, a Center for Ocean Science, and its centerpiece—the nation's largest permanent Ocean Hall exhibit to open in the fall of 2008. NMNH is the most visited natural history museum in the world. Its dynamic team of research and exhibit staff, and unparalleled collections, in combination with NOAA's knowledge and expertise in ocean science, provides the opportunity to develop a truly unique exhibit, Web portal and other supporting educational programs. This paper focuses on the partnership, the Hall, its development process, and evolving education and Web portal plans.