In spring 2022, the Environmental Gallery in the Rinker Environmental Learning Center (RELC) on the Gillespie Museum grounds was dedicated in honor of the retirements of Karen Cole, PhD, former director of the Gillespie Museum, and Peter May, PhD, professor of biology.

The purpose of the Environmental Gallery is to provide museum visitors with an interactive exhibit space where natural history and the environment can be studied and showcased.

Gifts made in honor of Dr. Cole and Dr. May will be used to purchase a microscope that can display images on a computer or screen to enhance future exhibits and activities in the RELC.

The first new exhibition in the Environmental Gallery since its dedication is now open!

Titled “Wonders of the Webb Telescope,” this exhibit immerses visitors in outer space through photographs taken by the James Webb Space Telescope. 

The Webb Telescope launched on December 21, 2021 after more than 20 years in development and construction. The telescope is designed to “see” very dim objects primarily in infrared light which will enable scientists to better understand the origins of the universe.

It took several months to prepare and calibrate the telescope once launched, but when the first images were released, the telescope’s abilities far surpassed expectations.

In this new exhibit, visitors can explore our universe through the beautiful color photos produced by Webb and learn more about the “star stuff” that we are all made of.

The exhibit is open during regular museum hours, except during field trips, special events, and when there are University classes meeting in the RELC.

An audio tour is available for visitors with smartphones. Call the museum at 386-822-7330 or email [email protected] to find out more about visiting this special exhibition.

-Kristen Mattson