The Las Vegas Science & Natural History Museum is preparing for its major annual exhibition, “A December to Remember: Celebrating Culture & Community,” an immersive program designed to honor diverse holiday traditions from around the globe. This exhibition stands out for being both museum-curated and actively community-created, providing Southern Nevada with a unique space for inclusive education and festive celebration.
Co-Creating Authenticity and Integrity
The foundation of the exhibition is built upon direct collaboration with local cultural organizations and individuals, such as the Kizuna Japanese Society. Mariely Febles, Outreach and Community Engagement Manager for the Las Vegas Science & Natural History Museum, detailed the meticulous process required to ensure authenticity and respect in the displays. “The museum works closely with local cultural organizations and individuals to co-create authentic displays and workshops,” she explained. This collaboration is crucial for the development of content. “Through co-design sessions, museum educators and community representatives work together to develop exhibit content that is both culturally accurate and respectfully presented. This ensures that each tradition is portrayed with integrity and care.”
The exhibit highlights traditions ranging from Kwanzaa and Las Posadas to the Feast of the Seven Fishes and Blackfoot traditions. Febles affirmed the commitment to sensitivity: “Ensuring that diverse cultural celebrations are presented with sensitivity, depth, and educational accuracy is a core responsibility of the museum, and we approach it through a combination of best practices in museum education, community engagement, and interpretive design.” By involving partners, the museum fosters inclusion: “This collaborative model allows the exhibition to reflect lived experiences and elevates the voices of those who celebrate these traditions, fostering a space of inclusion, learning, and cultural pride.”
Science, Art, and Shared Human Experience
“A December to Remember” utilizes the museum’s educational foundation to reveal the universal themes that connect different traditions. “The true impact of A December to Remember lies in helping families recognize the shared human experiences that connect us all,” Febles stated. The museum achieves this through a focus on scientific and historical understanding.
- Science Bridge: “We offer Winter Science Fun workshops that explore seasonal phenomena such as snow formation, solstice astronomy, and the chemistry behind traditional holiday foods. These sessions highlight how different cultures engage with nature and science during the winter season.”
- Art and Atmosphere: The museum transforms into an “immersive celebration” for six weeks, adorned with festive lighting and unique visual elements. “The museum is adorned with festive lighting, including Christmas lights and banners with messages of peace that hang over the main exhibit hall, creating a welcoming and joyful atmosphere for visitors of all ages.” Additionally, the event features a vibrant community art exhibition: “December to Remember will feature a vibrant community art exhibition showcasing works submitted by local artists of all ages and experience levels.”
Mission Alignment and Measures of Success
As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the exhibition at Las Vegas Science & Natural History Museum directly supports the museum’s broader educational mission. “‘A December to Remember’ is deeply aligned with the museum’s broader mission as a Smithsonian Affiliate and educational resource for Southern Nevada,” Febles confirmed. “It reflects our commitment to inclusive education, cultural stewardship, and community engagement.”
Beyond mere visitor numbers, the museum gauges the program’s success by its impact and inclusivity. “While attendance is a useful metric, successful museum events are best evaluated through a combination of qualitative and quantitative measures that reflect impact, engagement, and alignment with institutional goals,” she said. The team tracks involvement across different groups and gathers input from collaborators to assess how inclusive and meaningful the event felt.
