Description
Only 5 California Hosts!
The Smithsonian’s Water/Ways exhibition dives into water – an essential component of life on our planet, environmentally, culturally, and historically. Water powers the environment’s engine, impacting climate and helping to shape and sculpt the landscape. Humans and animals rely on water for health, hydration, food supplies and hygiene.
But, water’s impact on humans is much more than just biological and environmental. Water is an important element in American culture. We are attracted to water as a source of peace and contemplation. Water carves out a place in our memories of where we live and we play. We cherish our connections to nature, particularly the sights, the sounds, and the sense of place we feel at the water’s edge.
Water also plays a practical role in American society. The availability of water had a significant impact on settlement and migration patterns. Access to water and control of water resources are a central part of political and economic planning. Human creativity and resourcefulness provide new ways of renewing and refreshing water resources and renewing respect for the natural environment.
Water/Ways reveals the central nature of water in our lives by exploring a number of important questions:
- How do Americans use water? How is water represented in our society? In what ways do we use water as a symbol?
- How does water unite communities? How does conflict over water emerge and how do communities resolve it?
- How does water affect the way we live, work, worship, create and play?
- How do we care for water and sustain it for the future?
Water/Ways is shipped in 20 crates weighing 4,111 lbs. Learn more about this exhibit on Museum on Main Street’s website.
Water/Ways is part of Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and State Humanities Councils nationwide. Support for Museum on Main Street has been provided by the United States Congress.
Specs
- Audience:
- General
- Rental Fee:
- RETIRED
- Size:
- 650-700 sq. ft., 8′ 6″ ceiling height minimum
- Security:
- Limited
- Installation Images:
- View Here
Exhibit Components:
- Five freestanding sections, plus two interactive kiosks
- WaterSim America activity on a provided iPad
- Resource List for Adults, Teens, and Children
- Press and Marketing Materials
- Docent Handbook
- Programming Ideas
- Teacher/Curriculum Guides and Lesson Plans
- Installation and Programming Workshop; airfare/mileage and hotel stay (as needed) for 1 host venue representative for 1 workshop is included in the rental fee
Schedule and Availability
Past Dates | |
June 28, 2020 – August 16, 2020 (7 Weeks) | Museum on Main, Pleasanton |
August 30, 2020 – October 18, 2020 (7 Weeks) | San Lorenzo Valley Museum, Boulder Creek |
November 8, 2021 – February 14, 2021 (14 Weeks) | Sutter County Museum, Yuba City |
February 28, 2021 – April 11, 2021 (6 Weeks) | Museum of the San Ramon Valley, Danville |