The Reading Public Museum

Maize: Mysteries of an Ancient Grain

March 7 - May 31, 2015
Science Gallery, First Floor

The Reading Public Museum presents the exhibition, Maize: Mysteries of an Ancient Grain, which explores the science of how maize has evolved over thousands of years and has become one of our most important crops today.

This exhibition — through the use of graphic panels, interactive modules, youth activity sheets, artifacts and specimens — takes a look at how scientists utilize the process of evolution to encourage the selection of useful mutations for increased disease resistance, healthier and larger plants, and maintained diversity. It is funded by the National Science Foundation.

Maize is the largest production crop in the world and plays a central role in agriculture and food production. This ancient grain among other organisms was examined by evolutionary scientist Charles Darwin. In his travels to South America, Darwin recognized the tremendous variation in maize and its long history of intention breeding.

Scientists are now using conventional and molecular plant breeding to combat world health issues, such as Vitamin A Deficiency. In extreme situations, drought or disease epidemics, diversity can be essential for the survival of the population.

Jacquelynn Accetta, Manager of STEM Education at the Reading Public Museum said, "This exhibit is an excellent example of how history and science can be presented together. With visually appealing graphics and hands-on elements, it's great for visitors of all ages."
This exhibition is developed and managed by the Paleontological Research Institution and its Museum of the Earth located in Ithaca, New York

500 Museum Road • Reading, PA 19611 • 610-371-5850
readingpublicmuseum.org

Reading Public Museum

The American President: Photographs from the Archives of the Associated Press

The American President: Photographs from the Archives of the Associated Press exhibition showcases over 70 of the finest works by legendary Associated Press photographers including Burroughs, Harris, Tasnadi, Daugherty, Edmonds, Applewhite and Dharapak, to name but a few.

Presidential hopefuls burn bright and then fade. Political parties and poll numbers rise and fall. Presidents pass the torch; administrations change. Through it all, one constant remains: The Associated Press' coverage of the American president.

For more than 150 years, AP reporters and photographers have been the dominant source of presidential news for media across the U.S. and around the world. Since AP launched its WirePhoto service in 1935, the news cooperative has been no less committed to photographic coverage of the White House. AP photographers accompany the president everywhere. Wearying routine and photo-ops can yield, in an instant, to breaking news that moves the world and dominates front pages, broadcasts and Web sites.

For the gifted journalists of the world's oldest and largest news agency, the mandate of covering the White House remains the same as it was in Lincoln's day: be accurate, be fair, and be fast. For photographers, who can never catch up to a missed opportunity, it means always keeping your eye on the president.

The opening of the Reading Public Museum Fall 2014 exhibitions, The American President, Call to Duty: World War Posters, and Deadly Medicine: Creating the Master Race, can be celebrated by attending the second annual "Night at The Museum"on Saturday, September 13, 2014. Invitations will be mailed, and information will be available on the Web site. To make reservations or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact Lindsay Crist at 610-371-5850 x230.

Supported locally by Stevens & Lee/Griffin

Photo: Five Living Presidents, 2009, J. Scott Applewhite/AP, WASHINGTON, D.C./January 2009


500 Museum Road • Reading, PA • 19611
www.readingpublicmuseum.org

Reading Public Museum - Music Concert Series