Friday, June 5, 2009

Another Museum in Danger!!!

In case you have not heard yet, yesterday the University of Wyoming decided to cut 45 jobs (without even notifying those whose jobs they are cutting from what I understand - not very considerate!!). Due to an $18.3 million budget cut from the state of Wyoming’s block grant, these job cuts will include the only two jobs at the Geological Museum, and cutting the museum itself, closing the facility. [read more here]

This is HORRIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!! This museum has long had a history of public outreach and good scientific work. More information regarding this is forthcoming, so please stay tuned for information on how you can help us to try and save this museum and the two jobs associated with it. 

© ReBecca K. Hunt-Foster

10 comments:

Mike Keesey said...

That *is* awful.

MDR said...

How can this be?!!? The UW geological museum is historic, not to mention one of my favorite museums. Something's got to be done to turn this dire situation around.

ReBecca Hunt-Foster said...

Things are in the works. I hope to have more information on here very soon. For now you can help by signing this petition, sharing it with your friends or posting it on your own blog: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/geomuseum

Anonymous said...

Got it signed!

Julia said...

This is very distressing. I'll be posting first thing tomorrow morning, and it'll go onto Twitter etc.

ReBecca Hunt-Foster said...

Awesome. Thanks!

Mandi said...

ReBecca, you mention that things are in the works and I'm hoping this includes a letter-writing campaign by faculty in support of the museum and of Brent's work. A large number of geologists worldwide did the same when a local school (Univ. of Pittsburgh Johnstown) was threatened with the loss of its geology department. It worked. I can forward you the email that was sent out asking for support if you would like it as an example to pass on to whoever is in charge of organizing the campaign. lyon dot mandi at gmail dot com.

ReBecca Hunt-Foster said...

Hi Mandi,

This is exactly what is in the works. There should be more information this afternoon some time (there is a group of individuals at the University who are organizing this). I will be on the road but as soon as I can I will post the information.

Thanks for the suggestions :)

Tor Bertin said...

Got it signed. Given how highly fossiliferous the landscape is in the area, it'd be horrible to see the research center shut down.

MDR said...

I made a post regarding the closing on the Science Museum of Minnesota's Science Buzz blog (http://www.sciencebuzz.org/blog/wyoming-museum-danger).