In the heart of Jacksonville, Florida, stands the Museum of Science & History (MOSH), a beloved institution with a mission to inspire learning and wonder in people of all ages. MOSH has become more than a museum; it’s a community space that serves as a bridge between education and curiosity, especially for young students who explore the museum as an extension of their daily classroom lessons. Through exhibits that span topics from regional history to health science, MOSH provides a unique experience where kids can engage with their world in new ways, grounding them in both science and history.
Educating Through Exploration: MOSH’s Role in the Community
MOSH’s commitment to educational outreach shines most brightly in its work with local schools. Every year, thousands of students visit the museum as part of their curriculum, giving them the chance to dive into hands-on learning experiences that go beyond textbooks. Led by MOSH’s passionate educators and the Vice President of Education & Exhibits, Dr. Anthony Mortimer, the museum provides carefully designed programs that align with state learning standards, making it an ideal partner for teachers. The programs offer something for students of all ages, from interactive workshops on natural sciences to immersive exhibits that illustrate Jacksonville’s cultural and ecological history.
The museum’s interactive approach encourages kids to ask questions and discover answers on their own, fostering a love for learning. Programs such as Health in Motion, an exhibit dedicated to understanding human health, and the Florida Naturalist’s Center, a live exhibit featuring native animals, allow children to witness and connect with the world they inhabit. Through interactive displays, students learn not just by observing but by touching, listening, and experiencing.
Exhibits That Engage and Inspire
At MOSH, exhibits are designed to inspire curiosity while emphasizing the importance of science, history, and sustainability. Currents of Time takes visitors through 12,000 years of Northeast Florida’s history, guiding them from the region’s earliest Indigenous inhabitants to modern Jacksonville. Each era’s key artifacts and stories allow children and adults alike to grasp the timeline of history in a personal, tangible way, connecting the past with the present.
Another highlight is the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium, one of the largest single-lens planetariums in the United States. Here, students can journey to the stars, gaining an appreciation for the universe and Jacksonville’s place within it. Planetarium shows vary in topics, from deep space exploration to Florida’s unique night sky, catering to a wide range of scientific interests and sparking wonder in young learners.
The Atlantic Tails exhibit focuses on marine ecosystems, educating visitors on the diverse coastal wildlife of the region. By introducing students to Florida’s unique habitats, MOSH plays a vital role in instilling environmental awareness and encouraging future generations to care for the natural world around them. This exhibit, along with many others, underscores MOSH’s commitment to conservation and sustainability, equipping kids with the knowledge to become responsible stewards of the environment.
The Serendipitous Arrival of Lives Eliminated, Dreams Illuminated
Amidst MOSH’s array of exhibits, one holds a uniquely emotional weight: Lives Eliminated, Dreams Illuminated (LEDI). This exhibition, honouring young girls and women who lost their lives in the Holocaust, was a project I first learned about over a year ago through my friend Dr. David Milch. I knew of his support and dedication to bringing these stories to life, but the true surprise came when, by sheer happenstance, I discovered LEDI on display at MOSH during my visit to Jacksonville. Thrilled by this unexpected connection, we called David right then to share the news. Later, in a conversation with Dr. Mortimer, who explained how LEDI came to MOSH, I realized just how powerful this exhibit would be, especially in a space that educates and reaches so many young people.
As I walked through the LEDI exhibit, each portrait told a story of innocence lost and dreams extinguished. Created by American painter Lauren Bergman and accompanied by music from Israeli composer Ella Milch-Sheriff, the exhibit does more than memorialize these lives; it reimagines the dreams and futures these young women might have had. With each painting, David narrates stories that illustrate the hopes these girls held, allowing visitors to connect to their lives on a personal level.
Click here to listen to each story.
What struck me most was how MOSH has incorporated this exhibit into its educational outreach. For many local students, LEDI serves as their introduction to Holocaust history—a history that, despite its difficult truths, reminds them of the importance of kindness, empathy, and vigilance against prejudice. MOSH offers free programming on LEDI for students in grades 7-12, encouraging conversations about tolerance and compassion. The exhibition’s presence in a science and history museum also emphasizes that history’s lessons are relevant and pressing, no matter where they’re learned.
A Lesson in Empathy and Connection
MOSH’s dedication to inspiring curiosity and compassion comes full circle with LEDI, connecting Jacksonville’s youth to a past they may otherwise never encounter. The stories shared in LEDI serve as poignant reminders of the importance of kindness in a world that often forgets the lessons of history. Through the lens of art and music, the exhibit offers a powerful contrast to the hands-on, scientific experiences found in the museum, reminding us that history is not just about facts but about human lives and dreams.
As I walked through the exhibit, I reflected on a heartbreaking parallel between the lives lost in the Holocaust and the history of American slavery. Visiting the Kingsley Plantation in Jacksonville during my stay underscored the tragedy of countless lives and dreams stolen there as well. In today’s world, where antisemitism and intolerance are once again on the rise, LEDI stands as both a tribute and a call to action. Through MOSH’s commitment to illuminating these stories, it reinforces the essential message that kindness, remembrance, and empathy are fundamental to a future where no dreams are left in the dark. MOSH is more than a museum; it’s a beacon of learning, compassion, and hope for a world that needs it more than ever.
The LEDI exhibition will be at the MOSH (Museum of Science and History) in Jacksonville, Florida from August 29, 2024 – February 2, 2025
To further your understanding of the history and impact of the Holocaust, this link offers valuable insights and answers many questions. Additionally, consider visiting a Holocaust museum in your city to deepen your learning experience.
Thank you to Dr. Anthony Mortimer for bringing Lives Eliminated, Dreams Illuminated to the residents and visitors of Jacksonville. In a time of rising antisemitism, it is our shared responsibility to instill humanity and compassion in one another, embracing all people, regardless of their backgrounds or origins.
As you embark on your travels, remember that our journey leaves an impact. Embrace eco-friendly accommodations, support local communities, and reduce plastic use. Respect wildlife by observing from afar and conserve resources like water and energy. Choose sustainable transportation, leave no trace behind, and participate in conservation efforts. Educate yourself and others about the environment you’re exploring. Let’s ensure that we tread lightly on our planet, leaving only footprints of kindness and taking home memories that inspire others to protect our beautiful world. And be excellent to each other!
Happy responsible travels!