Collection Guide
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Guide to the Exploratorium Records, 1957-[ongoing]
BANC MSS 87/148 c
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Table of contents
Description
Provides a fairly complete history of this innovative museum from its founding in 1969 through the present. The records reflect
the central role founder Dr. Frank Oppenheimer played in developing the Exploratorium and sustaining it until his death in
1985. The collection includes Oppenheimer's correspondence and writings related to the museum, board of director minutes,
exhibit development materials, publicity, grant proposals, reports and chronological files, records of subsequent directors,
notably Goery Delacote, as well as departmental records documenting the evolution of the museum.
Background
The Exploratorium was founded in San Francisco, California in 1969 by physicist and educator Frank Oppenheimer. Dissatisfied
with traditional teaching methods, Dr. Oppenheimer had long been searching for ways to make science education accessible to
the general population. After spending a year in Europe on a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1965, he began formulating a plan to
establish a multidisciplinary museum in the U.S. that would integrate the arts and sciences in a hands-on learning environment
through the use of interactive exhibits and educational programs.
Extent
Number of containers: 45 cartons, 2 boxes, 11 oversize folders, 4 tubes
Linear feet: 63
Restrictions
Copyright has not been assigned to The Bancroft Library. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts
must be submitted in writing to the Head of Public Services. Permission for publication is given on behalf of The Bancroft
Library as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which
must also be obtained by the reader.
Availability
Collection is open for research, with the following exception: