Museum of Science president and director Ioannis Miaoulis: "The Museum of Science is often called 'the house that Brad built.' He convinced the Museum's board to change the name from the New England Museum of Natural History to the Museum of Science and to move from the Back Bay to Science Park. We feel Brad's presence throughout the Museum today: a portrait of him and his wife Barbara, who climbed Mt. McKinley together, models of Tyrannosaurus rex or Everest, which he mapped, a Great Horned Owl reminding us of Spooky, the Museum mascot, or a lightning show in the Theater of Electricity. His spirit will serve as an inspiration to all of us as the Museum moves forward into the 21st century."
David W. Ellis, Museum president and director from 1990-2002, now president emeritus:"With the keen eye of a world-class photographer and the orienteering skills of an expert cartographer, Brad Washburn had the vision that became the Museum of Science. Under his guidance, the Museum of Science was the first to unite natural history, physical, applied and medical science, and a planetarium into a single science center full of engaging hands-on exhibits and programs. In that process, his infectious enthusiasm for learning and discovery created a community of support for our mission that endures to this day. Although he will be severely missed, he leaves us a legacy that will continue to inspire us and coming generations."
Brad Washburn: biographical highlights:
Recognized worldwide for mapping Mount Everest, and as a mountaineer, cartographer, photographer, filmmaker and pilot.
Under Washburn's direction, the Museum of Science was the first Museum to embrace all the sciences under one roof.
Washburn climbed some of the world's most challenging mountains, including Alaska's Mt. McKinley and the Matterhorn in the Alps.
His cartography has been acclaimed by the National Geographic Society and the Swiss Federal Institute of Topography.
His stunning naturalist photographs have been exhibited worldwide. In describing Brad Washburn, Ansel Adams once told the Boston Globe, "One never knows what to expect next from this roving genius of mind and mountains."
Editor's note: An exhibition entitled Brad's Favorite Photographs: A Celebration of Six Decades of Photography is currently on display at Panopticon Gallery of Photography, through February 4, 2007. Panopticon is located at 435 Moody Street, Waltham, MA and a preview of this exhibition can be viewed at www.panopt.com.
Colossal: A special Exhibit of Bradford Washburn's Aerial Photographs, will tour the United States, making a stop at the Museum of Science January 28 - April 22, 2007. -- www.mos.org
Posted January 24th, 2007 by ruzik_tuzik
