Be an Atomic Volunteer

The Life Atomic Exhibit and Programs: April 1 – May 15, 2010

Opening Reception: Thursday, April 1, 5:30-7:30pm – Help out for an hour at our Opening Reception for The Life Atomic and still enjoy the music, refreshments, and 1950s celebrity appearances. ‘50s-style dress is encouraged and appreciated!

1950s Spring Break: Wednesday, April 7, 1-3pm – Work with local kids and families on one of a variety of fun, 50s-inspired activities throughout the museum. ‘50s-style dress is encouraged and appreciated!

Community Sock Hop: Friday, April 16, 6-9pm – Help out for an hour or more at this free family event to be held in the Alwood Gymnasium at Coloma Middle School. Jobs include decorations, set-up and clean-up, refreshments, ticket sales, costume and hula contest judges, and manning the NBHS info table. ‘50s-style dress is encouraged and appreciated!

Gallery Greeters: Every Saturday, April 1 – May 15 – Greet visitors and track attendance for a portion of our Saturday Exhibit Hours, 10am-5pm.

Gallery Greeters: Every Friday, April 1 – May 15 – Greet visitors and track attendance for a portion of our Friday Exhibit Hours, 10am-5pm.

Exhibit Docent: Scheduling TBD, April 1 – May 15 – Help guide school and community groups through The Life Atomic exhibit. Training and study guide provided.

Please call the museum at 269-468-3330 or email nbhs2@sbcglobal.net to sign up to volunteer.

Atomic Excitement at the Museum

Photo by Don English, courtesy of the Las Vegas News Bureau.

With only a month to go, preparation for our latest traveling exhibition The Life Atomic: Growing Up in the Shadow of the A-Bomb are taking place at the North Berrien Historical Museum. Two cases have been emptied of artifacts, a family-size bomb shelter is being built for the gallery, and museum members have been busy looking through their closets for forgotten 1950s clothing to wear opening night.

The opening reception will take place on Thursday, April 1 from 5:30-7:30pm. Join us for refreshments, Cold War music, and 1950s celebrity appearances. Remarks will take place at 6pm.

Mark you calendar! Great programs will compliment the exhibit.

Wednesday, April 7, 1-3pm, Free
1950s Spring Break - Imagine life as a 1950s kid through activities and demonstrations. All ages welcome.

Friday, April 16, 6-9pm, Free
Community Sock Hop - Alwood Gymnasium, Coloma Middle School. Sponsored by the Coloma- Watervliet Area Chamber of Commerce

Tuesday, April 20, 7pm, Free
Nuclear Power in Southwest Michigan - presentation by Bill Schalk. Mr. Schalk is director of communications at the Cook Nuclear Power Plant. He will discuss the history of nuclear power in our region.

Tuesday, May 4, 7pm, Free
Atomic Anxiety: Post-World War Two American Culture - presentation by Dr. Erika Doss. Dr. Doss is chair of the Department of American Studies at the University of Notre Dame. She will discuss American anxiety over nuclear weapons and the impact it had on 1950s culture.

Thursday, May 13, 5:30 - 7pm, Free
The Martian Chronicles Book Discussion - Coloma Public Library. All are welcome to join us for a discussion of the famous science fiction book The Martian Chronicles (1950) by Ray Bradbury.