Q: So, you’ve been with Reading Public Museum for about 28 years. How has planetarium patronage and education changed during your tenure?
Overall, as we have grown and improved our planetarium show choices, our public has grown along with us. In the early years of my time here, the public star shows were quite limited — only about four shows weekly. Gradually, we increased those to three public shows daily — all different shows designed for multiple age levels. The school group library of shows also expanded. At first, we had only two shows per grade for a field trip. Today, there are dozens of programs, and most adhere to PA State Standards. Private groups also benefit from the wide range of star show choices. Scouting groups or birthday party packages include a hands-on activity and craft that relates directly to the show.
Q: The Floyd Final Fridays is a unique departure from traditional planetarium programming. How did that come about?
Within the darkened Planetarium chamber, you are completely and uniquely immersed in the 360-degree experience of sight and sound. When watching a movie on a flat screen, you are aware of your surroundings. In the Planetarium dome, your entire field of vision is filled, no matter where you look. In the early 1970s, planetariums began experimenting with creating light shows, merging visual effects with sounds of specific musical acts that presented certain ephemeral astronomical elements in their songs and albums: most notably, with psychedelic experimental rock band Pink Floyd. In the late 1990s, The Neag Planetarium partnered with a Seattle-based company that specialized in bringing a higher level of laser-light musical entertainment for planetariums. The Final Floyd Friday presentations are offered on the final Friday night of every month and give audiences a chance to discover Pink Floyd as well as the Planetarium’s unique environment.
Q: How often do you develop new educational programming, and what inspires your show themes?
Quite often. In this digital age, it’s very easy to obtain, share and distribute digital content within the Planetarium’s worldwide community. NASA, and many of the additional worldwide space agencies, have truly embraced the full-dome digital format we use and provide excellent presentations.
Q: What does your spare time look like?
I love running and participating in local, competitive races. I also enjoy playing ultimate frisbee, spending time with family and pets. And I spend too much time listening to, collecting, organizing, shopping for, and generally thinking about, vinyl records.
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Keeping you safe. Hand sanitizing stations are now permanent fixtures in the Planetarium lobby and on the Museum campus. Staff members also sanitize all of the chairs in the chamber after every show.
More info. The Neag Planetarium at the Reading Public Museum has been integral to the community for more than 50 years. Schedule group tours by contacting 610.371.5850, ext. 223. For the Star Show schedule, visit readingpublicmuseum.org.
