The second edition of Lives of Museum Junkies brings a behind the science look at science centers, up to date with the confusion, fears, and budget constraints caused by COVID-19. By peering into the political and educational climate of the 1960s, readers discover factors that propelled the hands-on education movement into prominence. Follow the missteps and breakthroughs of Marilynne Eichinger and 11 other naïve, but dedicated museum directors, board volunteers, and National Science Foundation managers as they strove to change the way science was, taught. Their oft-humorous stories are, revealed with candor and clarity. Responding to the latest research in learning and child development, they created engaging, self-teaching displays that impacted the landscape of 2,900 centers worldwide while serving 98 million people in the U.S. Through the centers have evolved with increased virtual offerings, there remain concerns that one-third of these centers will have to close their doors.
