Water is the most vital resource for life on Earth; no living thing exists without it. H20 Today, a new exhibition at Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, examines the diversity and challenges of global water sources and promotes conversation, creativity and innovation through art, science and technology.
Organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), the exhibit will be on view now through August 28, 2022.
H20 Today dives into what it means to live on a planet where 71% of the surface is covered in water, yet less than 3% is drinkable. It explores the science of water from the hydrological cycle, weather and climate to its physical power as an architect and sculptor of landscape. The exhibition highlights its criticality in daily life worldwide through water power, industry, agriculture and home use. Visitors will learn the affects climate change, population growth and pollution have on the water cycle and weather patterns as well as the creative ways people around the world are tackling the challenges of water shortages and pollution.
Cape Fear Museum has created local content that addresses where New Hanover County’s water comes from and threats to the Cape Fear River. Visitors will have an opportunity to reflect on the water story, make it “rain” while exploring the water cycle and use leg or hand power to water a vegetable garden.
Said science content developer, Dr. Darcie Cook: “As a community surrounded by water, we understand the importance of protecting our rivers and ocean. We are excited for the opening of H20 Today and invite visitors to explore the beauty and essential nature of water, our planet’s lifeblood.”
For more information on this exhibit at Cape Fear Museum, visit www.capefearmuseum.com/exhibits/h2o-today.
The exhibition is part of the Smithsonian’s Think Water Initiative to raise awareness of water as a critical resource for life through exhibitions, educational resources and public programs. The public can participate in the conversation on social media at #ThinkWater.
H20 Today is organized by SITES. It was adapted from an exhibition organized by the American Museum of Natural History in New York City and the Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul, in collaboration with Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland; The Field Museum in Chicago; Instituto Sangari in Sao Paulo; National Museum of Australia in Canberra; Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada; San Diego Natural History Museum; and Science Centre Singapore with PUB Singapore.
SITES has been sharing the wealth of Smithsonian collections and research programs with millions of people outside Washington, D.C., for 65 years. SITES connects Americans to their shared cultural heritage through a wide range of exhibitions about art, science and history, which are shown wherever people live, work and play. For exhibition description and tour schedules, visit sites.si.edu.
Source: Barbi Baker, New Hanover County Government
