About this project

Survey of Space

A fun educational exhibit about space and people
to be loaned to museums, schools and libraries at low or no cost

Imagine this.

A small library with few resources announces an exhibit—they’re going to show artifacts, films and images telling stories about space exploration. The exhibit will describe and show people and events from the early space age, to the present—and look into the future.

The library never did anything like this before. It didn’t have the money or resources. But they happened to have a few locking display cases. And they had a desire to educate and excite the local community.

So they borrowed the exhibit—at no rental fee. They only paid shipping. The institution’s own insurance covered the protection of the artifacts. It was easy.

Some community members loaned TVs and DVD players to show the exhibit videos. And the whole exhibit was made possible by small donors giving $1 or $5 or $10 or $25 (maybe more!) to the exhibit developer.

Donors like you.

What makes this project so special?

Well, first of all, YOU do. This project will demonstrate that ordinary people who care can, with little money, create a new thing that enriches the lives of people who live near small or underfunded museums, libraries and schools.

But there’s more.

The exhibit will be fun and interesting. It will focus on fascinating contributions by all kinds of people—from astronauts to "just some guy" who worked on the space program. And the exhibit will allow those attending to contribute to future editions.

Yeah, but I’m not interested in space.

I’m very, very aware that only some people are interested in space flight. That’s why much of the exhibit will center on really interesting and amazing stories about people.

Nearly everyone is interested in a good story, well-told, about people. As a space enthusiast, it’s part of my ambition to increase interest in space...and not just talk to those who are already into it.

Want an example of a really interesting story? Download my free eBook or read a story online about Boris Volynov. It’s one of the most exciting stories you never heard! (And it's only one example of what I have in mind...)

What’s in it for me?

For starters, you help to change the world. Because, once we prove this model works—that you can make exciting and educational exhibits to loan for free or nearly free—you’ve given a gift to the world. Adults and children in neighborhoods and communities that couldn’t normally see anything like this...well, suddenly they can!

You’ll also share the credit, I’ll put your name in the credits for the exhibit, on DVDs used in the exhibit, and on the exhibit website. (It will be at http://www.surveyofspace.com). Or, for a slightly higher level of giving, you can also get a DVD showcasing content to the exhibit.

Oh, and if a sponsor (possibly YOU!) puts in a good word for, say, your local library to get the exhibit, that library will probably get it ahead of venues that don’t have such connections. (The order of requests, and the ability of the facility to display the exhibit and protect artifacts will also be factors.)

Ok, Mr. Curator—what’s in it for you?

I get a few things. The first is, I get satisfaction at putting something really good into the world. I love museums and I’m fascinated by space. I want others to be interested in it, too. Perhaps I’ll create enthusiasm in some kids who will become important scientists or astronauts or some other kind of contributor to our future in space.

I’d also like to work in the museum field. I’ve had a hard time switching careers. I had considerably success in the past, co-founding an internet development and marketing company, and serving as president for a decade.

But then I wanted to do something else—work with museums. That’s been tough. I first volunteered, then landed a low-level position. My current position exposes me to a lot, and I’ve learned quite a bit..but I’m not authorized to DO much.

I hold an MBA with a concentration in marketing. I’m smart and hard working. I’m hoping that by showing what I can do here, I’ll get more and better opportunities to help museums...either as a consultant or on staff.

I’m not hindered by ingrained ideas in that field; as an outsider, I think about things differently. For example, I’m told that traveling exhibits are extraordinarily difficult, expensive and always lose money. I feel certain that’s wrong. I intend to demonstrate that.

Who are you?

Well, I’ve already told you something about myself. I’m a guy who’s been a successful entrepreneur, who’s had a lot (too much?!) education, and who likes doing new things.

I’m interested in space flight and in putting something good into the world. I’ve worked in the past in profit companies (including one I co-founded), and spent many years working for nonprofits.

I guess I’d describe myself as an imaginative, gutsy, pragmatic idealist. I hope you’ll help me, because together we can do great things.

Oh, and one last thing: one reason that the exhibit costs are so low is that I already own the historical artifacts: I'm a space memorabilia collector. So, my budget is for printing, promotion and other—relatively cheap—things.

Thanks for listening.

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