Exploratorium a Key Partner in the Smithsonian’s “Vaccines & US” Initiative

National Collaboration of Cultural Organizations Supports Vaccine Education

SAN FRANCISCO (April 21, 2021)—The Exploratorium is proud to support a new nationwide initiative announced today by the Smithsonian, “Vaccines & US: Cultural Organizations for Community Health.” This Smithsonian-led initiative brings together resources from museums, libraries, and cultural institutions across the country to provide Americans with accessible, trustworthy information about COVID-19 vaccines and to help them make informed decisions about vaccination. 

“It’s an honor to participate in this national initiative with the Smithsonian and so many of our esteemed colleagues,” said Rob Semper, Chief Science Officer at the Exploratorium. “Providing accurate information amid the pandemic and vaccine rollout is among the most important services we can provide as a cultural institution, and the need for timely, trustworthy scientific information has never been greater.”

“Vaccines & US” curates an online hub of resources about COVID-19: the safety, efficacy, and value of COVID-19 vaccines; practical advice for having conversations about vaccination; American communities’ and cultures’ response to the pandemic; and the history of pandemics and vaccination in the U.S. Resources in the new site from the Exploratorium include the video series COVID Conversations and Viral Questions, as well as free activities to help learners of all ages to better understand the virus. The scientific content in the new initiative, from videos and infographics to activities and educational curricula, is vetted by an advisory group of medical professionals from collaborating organizations, including Exploratorium Senior Scientist Jennifer Frazier. 

“This has been a critical time to support the public in asking their questions,” said Jennifer Frazier. “The Exploratorium has been deeply committed to answering the public’s questions during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the goal of the Vaccines & Us initiative is aligned with ours. I’m thrilled that the materials we’ve created can reach more people through this new site.”

Ten collaborating organizations contributed content to the initiative, including the  COVID-19 Prevention Network at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, the Exploratorium, the Health Museum (Houston), the Museum of Chinese in America, the Museum of Science  (Boston), the New York Hall of Science, the Pacific Science Center, the Peale Museum for  Baltimore History and Architecture, the Science Museum of Minnesota and the St. Louis Science Center. Resources also draw from 14 Smithsonian museums and centers.