The SWFAS January presentation was a resounding success with approximately 80 attendees. It began at 5:00 pm with a reception of hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine and an opportunity to see and explore the many areas of the IMAG History & Science Center. Most of the attendees had never been to the IMAG before and were amazed at the many hands on areas and innovative programs that the museum has to offer. The museum is a merger of the Southwest Florida Museum of History and the Imaginarium; now the IMAG. It has also transitioned from being run by the City of Fort Myers to a private nonprofit.
For those of you that have not had an opportunity to visit the IMAG History & Science Center we highly recommend it. It is both for adults and children, but a great opportunity to experience hands-on history with your children and/or your grandchildren.
IMAG Director Matthew Johnson with SWFAS President John Furey
After the Reception, Matthew Johnson, Executive Director of the IMAG, gave an innovative talk on how the IMAG is fusing history and science through exhibits and programs. A stated goal is to emphasize interrelationships between disciplines through innovative connection building and a hands-on approach. Matt Johnson provided examples including how to show and make relevant and understandable algebra to people? Contextualizing how did the Caloosahatchee River become the way it is today as opposed to just studying the current state of the river? This how you blend science and history to make things more relatable and understandable. Matt then explained the long-term future plans that the IMAG has to expand the size of the museum campus and to further fuse science and history in its mission of education and understanding.