The Midland ACS Centennial Exhibit opened May 11, 2019 and closed December 22, 2019.
During that time, the gallery was open for visits on many weekends and throughout non-holiday weekdays. In addition, the exhibit was the venue for 14 group visits, and the following FREE adjunct events:
- A chemistry stamp display and envelope cancellation event
- Inventor’s forum
- Senior chemist lunch with movie and speaker
- Hands-on activities with polystsyrene foam
- Halloween/National Chemistry Week hands-on event
- Sam Kean presentation and Section Volunteer Appreciation
- Hands-on activities with Saran wrap and other films
- Holiday Science hands-on activities
The exhibit effort received National ACS recognition in the form of awards for Outstanding Senior
Chemist Activity, Promotion of Ethics in Chemistry and Outstanding Public Relations.
EXHIBIT AT CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY ROWE Hall, 2021-2025
The CMU Museum Studies program renovated space in Rowe Hall and the ACS Centennial Exhibit was set up in that space during 2021. Midland ACS nember Jim Malek gave a Fireworks Program there in June, 2021, and the Section also hosted “Playtime Science” at the O’Bannon Schoolhouse that July. In October the “Frankenstein Friday” tradition started at the Exhibit as well. In 2022, school visits began and in Septmber of that year, ACS Nation President Angela Wilson and the new CMU Provost officiated at the official re-opening of the entire display. in 2023, 531 visited programs held at the exhibit; in 2024, that number was over 1000. The Exhibit will leave CMU in May of 2025.
Features added to the exhibit during its time at CMU included new information about the impact of COVID on the Section, an Augmented Reality display involving the molecules highlighted on the “Tower”, updated officer lists, the “A Day Without Chemistry” video and a “Mole” display. A virtual tour of “A Century of Science and Service” as it appeared in November of 2024 is available on youtube:
Future Plans
Various new homes for all or parts(s) of the exhibit in conjunction with potential adjunct programming are currently being investigated. Contact Gina Malczewski (reginamalczewski@gmail.com) if you have questions, or are interested in hosting part(s) of our display.
