‘Topaz: A Spectrum in Stone’ Exhibit Set to Dazzle at the Perot Museum

 The Perot Museum of Nature and Science celebrates the breathtaking beauty of one of nature’s most captivating minerals in “Topaz: A Spectrum in Stone.” The Museum’s newest  exhibit features over 100 exquisite topaz specimens from every corner of the world. 

Showcasing an array of brilliant colors and varied sizes, this magnificent global collection is the first assembled by Museum Director of Gems and Minerals Caroline Im.

“Topaz: A Spectrum in Stone,” presented by Texas Counter Fitters, opens Wednesday, October 16, 2024, and runs through October 14, 2025, in the Lyda Hill Gems and Minerals Hall.

The one-of-a-kind collection displays the spectacular scope of crystal structures and colored

stones within the topaz family, including:

● The Imperial Flame topaz: A magnificent 332-carat carving from Ouro Preto, carefully

carved over four weeks, recognized as the largest and finest stone of its caliber in the

world.

● A stupendous 9,630-carat marquise-cut gem from Brazil.

● The largest known “Lone Star Cut” in Texas topaz: a 234-carat gem featuring a five-point

star carved into the pavillion, or bottom, of the stone, reflecting the state symbol through

the gem.

● A 15-pound blue topaz from Brazil.

● Etched topaz showing intricate surface patterns due to the topaz being partially

dissolved in hydrothermal fluids.

The exhibit celebrates the global discoveries of topaz from Texas, across America and
worldwide including Pakistan, Argentina, Namibia, Brazil, Russia and many other countries. Like many of the gems and minerals at the Perot Museum, these specimens are on loan from
generous and renowned private collectors throughout the world, willing to share their
awe-inspiring specimens with the public.

There’s a selection of topaz crystals from Volyn, a renowned region in Ukraine, famous for its large caverns of massive topaz.

Blue topaz is the state gem of Texas and the Perot Museum is proud to highlight the Lone Star
State’s geological discoveries. A variety of other colors can be found across the Lone Star
State, including clear or white topaz–the most common color of the crystal.

Patrons can enjoy the great gamut of topaz specimens from around the world and admire their
natural brilliance at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. The Museum recommends that
visitors plan their trip in advance due to the popularity of the collection. More details can be
found at perotmuseum.org.

Thursdays on Tap returns April 6!

 

Thursdays on Tap returns April 6!

Experience the Museum after hours featuring live music, food trucks, drinks and outdoor games. Plus, get full access to the Museum and all our exhibit halls, including our latest traveling exhibition, The Science Behind Pixar, presented by NexPoint. This program is for ages 21+, so it is the perfect opportunity to experience the Museum without the daytime crowds or kids (we love them but Thursday nights now belong to YOU). 

Every Thursday, April 6 – October 26

Member $5 • Non-Member $25

Food and drinks are an additional cost.

Tickets: Thursdays on Tap | Perot Museum

Last Chance to Experience Dr. Jane Goodall Exhibit at Perot Museum

It’s the final weeks to experience “Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall” at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science before it closes Labor Day (Sept. 5, 2022).

 World-renowned conservationist and ethologist Dr. Jane Goodall – who has famously studied chimpanzees in the wild for more than 60 years – is celebrated in this special exhibition, produced in partnership with the National Geographic Society and the Jane Goodall Institute.

“Becoming Jane” explores Dr. Goodall’s life, from her early years as an intrepid young woman with a dream to learn about animals in Africa, to establishing herself as a renowned scientist in Gombe, Tanzania, to her present role as an activist and mentor for creating a better world for life on Earth.

For more details and to purchase tickets in advance, go to perotmuseum.org.

Perot Museum's National Geographic Live Speaker Series

 

The Perot Museum hosts a three-part National Geographic Live Speaker Series where international explorers amaze and inspire you with their breathtaking adventures, incredible discoveries and dedication to protect the world's wildlife.

Tickets are now on sale for the Perot Museum of Nature and Science’s 2022 National Geographic Live Speaker Series, which kicks off February 16 with evolutionary biologist and ancient DNA research pioneer Beth Shapiro, author of How to Clone a Mammoth. The three-part series is an extension of the Perot Museum’s commitment to provide learning opportunities by spotlighting thought leaders in science who provoke curiosity in topics from prehistoric life and underwater predators, to conservation and more.

The series also will feature large carnivore ecologist Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant on Wednesday, April 6, and underwater photographer Thomas Peschak on Wednesday, May 4. 

All three explorer talks will take place at 7 p.m. in The Hoglund Foundation Theater. 

Individual tickets for the 2022 National Geographic speaker series are $49 for members and $54 for non-members. (Museum general admission is not required – or included – with ticket purchase.) COVID-19 protocols will be in place. 

Season and individual tickets are available at perotmuseum.org. 

Perot Museum - Lyda Hill Gems & Minerals Hall Welcomes Jewels and Treasures

 

The Shape of Matter: Through An Artist's Eye

Jewelry by Paula Crevoshay

October 21, 2021 - April 20, 2022

The works of internationally renowned jewelry designer Paula Crevoshay have captivated hearts for decades, from jewelry connoisseurs to celebrities and amateur gem buffs. On display are approximately 70 of her nature-inspired pieces, including a world museum debut, Sea Star. Paired with loose gems and minerals, all are displayed within their respective crystal systems. The exhibition illuminates the link between minerals, gems and jewelry while providing a path to learn more about intricate crystal structures. Come explore the art of the jewel and the science of crystal formation!

For more information and tickets:

Gems & Minerals Museum Dallas | Perot Museum of Nature and Science

Thursdays on Tap at The Perot

We are excited to announce a new program, Thursdays on Tap at the Perot. Join us every Thursday from 6-10pm to experience the Museum after-hours with a 21+ crowd and enjoy live music, drinks and food trucks from local businesses. Plus, get full access to all our exhibit halls—including, for a limited time only, The Science of Guinness World Records exhibition.

This program is for ages 21+, so it is the perfect opportunity to experience the Museum without the daytime crowds or kids (we love them, but Thursday nights from 6-10pm now belong to YOU). 

Member $10 • Non-Member $25

More information and tickets here: 

Thursdays on Tap at the Perot Museum | Perot Museum of Nature and Science

What's on Tap

July 22

Outside on the Plaza

Ruthie's Food Trucks Fueled by Cafe Momentum

Mi Cocina Food Truck

Halal Mother Truckers

Easy Slider

Armadillo Ale Works

Live Music Matt Brooks

Outdoor Games 

 

Inside the Museum

Explore the Museum exhibit halls

The Science of Guinness World Records®

 

July 29

Outside on the Plaza

Smokey Ray's BBQ 

Cuates Kitchen Food Truck

Chiave’s Italian Food Truck

El Chifrijo

Wilder Sweets

Community Brewing Co.

Live Music Justin Tipton

Outdoor Games 

 

Inside the Museum

Explore the Museum exhibit halls

The Science of Guinness World Records®

Perot Museum Names Veteran Education Leader Jessica Chavez as Chief Learning Officer

After an exhaustive search, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science has named veteran education leader Jessica Chavez as its Chief Learning Officer. Chavez joins the Perot Museum after working for the Arizona Science Center in Phoenix since 2015, where she most recently served as Vice President of Innovative Learning Strategies. 

“We are thrilled for Jessica to join the Perot Museum team as we continue to evolve during what has been a challenging time, especially for school-age children,” said Dr. Linda Silver, Eugene McDermott Chief Executive Officer of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. “Jessica brings extensive expertise in education, innovation and strategic planning – particularly in the digital arena – which will be crucial as the Perot Museum moves forward as a beacon for STEM learning and careers.”

Jessica has extensive experience with digital outreach and has repeatedly demonstrated a firm grasp of how to nimbly meet the educational needs of her community.  Additionally, Chavez brings the invaluable perspective of a teacher. She has been involved in education for more than 15 years ranging from early childhood to adult learning. 

Silver added that Chavez’s vast skill set of innovative leadership and team-building is further strengthened by her eagerness and track record in improving donor relations, department and partner collaborations, along with her ability to find unique solutions to challenging problems.

“Being a part of the Perot Museum at such a unique time in our history is exciting. The quality and quantity of programming that the Perot Museum offers to North Texans and beyond is impressive by any standard,” said Chavez. “I look forward to working with our teams to further increase our reach and to offer even more opportunities outside our museum walls, helping bridge to and support under-resourced North Texas communities and the public schools that serve them.”

Chavez has a bachelor of fine arts in K-12 education and a master of arts in education technology with an emphasis on instructional design from Arizona State University. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University (completion spring 2021). Her research is focused on informal learning support and its impact on the self-efficacy and job satisfaction of educators.

She and her husband will reside in Dallas and look forward to exploring North Texas.

Perot Museum and African American Museum announce winner of Staircase Project celebrating Black STEM leaders

Calling it a “bold and inspiring tribute to African American leaders who made momentous contributions to science,” the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, in partnership with the African American Museum, Dallas, today announced that local architect and emerging artist Daniel M. Gunn is the winner of the Staircase Project design competition. In addition to a $5,000 prize, Gunn’s larger-than-life image, titled “GIANT STEPS – Celebrating Extraordinary Achievements of African-American Leaders in STEM,” has been installed on the Perot Museum’s multi-story, outdoor staircase facing Field Street. The Staircase Project is presented by Kroger.

Perot Museum of Nature and Science

“Far too often the important contributions made by African Americans to the advancement of STEM have been untold, unheard and unseen. This magnificent design from Daniel M. Gunn shines a much-needed light on these hidden figures,” said Dr. Linda Silver, Eugene McDermott Chief Executive Officer. ”Giant steps often begin by first taking small steps, so we encourage everyone to climb these stairs and find inspiration for the future through learning about the past.” 

Last fall, the Perot Museum and African American Museum conducted a call for entries to create a vibrantly colored, eye-catching design that celebrates African-American leaders in science – from history and modern day – who have made significant contributions to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). Entries were judged by a diverse, blue-ribbon panel comprised of regional leaders representing the arts, education and STEM business communities. 

The creative design – which has been reproduced and professionally installed using weatherproof, vinyl materials – will remain in place through Memorial Day.

Daniel M. Gunn (designer)

Gunn is a 36-year-old architect employed at Oglesby Greene Architects in downtown Dallas. Born in Alabama, he has lived in New Jersey as well as Louisiana, where he graduated with an architecture degree from Louisiana Tech University in 2008. He picked up a pencil at age five and has been drawing and painting ever since. He states that “When I’m not busy designing buildings by day, I’m honing my skills with the paintbrush on canvas by night.”

His design features Dr. Charles Drew, known as the father of the blood bank; telecommunications inventor Shirley Ann Jackson, the first African-American woman to earn an MIT doctorate; Dr. Mae Jemison, physician, engineer and the first African-American woman in space; and Dallas’ Otis Frank Boykin, an engineer, entrepreneur and inventor with approximately 26 patents. Also included are famed agricultural inventor and “Wizard of Tuskegee” George Washington Carver, and NASA’s Katherine Johnson and Mary Winston Jackson (NASA scientists profiled in the movie Hidden Figures).

Dr. Linda Silver, Eugene McDermott CEO of the Perot Museum

Perot Museum to open daily for winter break Dec. 17-Jan. 3

Just in time for winter break at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Lockheed Martin has stepped up to support socially distanced fun during the holidays, with a $65K donation which will fund space-themed masks and single-use take-home science activity kits for children. The materials are available on a first-come, first-served basis as the Museum opens daily Dec. 17, 2020-Jan. 3, 2021, operating at a maximum of 25% occupancy with stringent and effective safety measures in place.

And to provide a bit of merriment to those unable to visit, the Museum will share science-activity kits with pediatric patients being treated at Children’s Health. 

"Lockheed Martin is proud to continue our long-standing partnership with the Perot Museum of Nature and Science," said Scott Greene, executive vice president at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "Despite challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, together we remain committed to preparing the next generation of scientists, engineers, and technologists through advancing STEM education for all."

Lockheed Martin’s gift will also fund a free STEM-inspired drive-through event for members on Saturday, Dec. 12, featuring several winter wonderland experiences including snow. The member-only event is sold out.

“This is an extremely challenging time for museums, and we’re deeply appreciative of Lockheed Martin’s recognition of the importance of keeping science alive within our young people,” said Dr. Linda Silver, Eugene McDermott Chief Executive Officer. 

Silver added that since capacity at the Museum is greatly reduced, it’s a “special time to come explore as you nearly have the place to yourself.” The Museum offers five levels and 180,000 square feet of discovery for all ages and interests.

The Museum, which is currently operating no more than 25% capacity, strictly enforces the proper wearing of face masks, frequent sanitation, social distancing and contactless ticketing procedures. The following safety procedures are currently in place for visitors. Please check perotmuseum.org for the latest info and updates. 

Perot Museum teams up with African American Museum to seek designer for outdoor staircase

In partnership with the African American Museum, Dallas, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science has announced a call for entries for a staircase commission to create a vibrantly colored and eye-catching site-specific creative design that celebrates African-American leaders in science – from history and modern day – who have made significant contributions to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). The Staircase Project is presented by Kroger. 

To spotlight the artistic talent in the Dallas/Fort Worth region, the Perot Museum will commission an African-American creative designer who resides in North Texas to design the image.

The winning designer will be awarded a prize of $5,000. The deadline to enter is Oct. 30, 2020, and the winner will be notified of his/her selection by no later than Dec. 1, 2020. There is no submission fee. For rules, details and submission instructions, click here.

The creative design will be reproduced on weatherproof, vinyl materials and professionally installed on the Perot Museum’s large, multi-story outdoor staircase facing Field Street, a main thoroughfare into Downtown Dallas. For images and videos of past staircase installations along with design templates, GO HERE.

Perot Museum to reopen Saturday, Sept. 12 with limited occupancy, reduced hours, and new procedures

 

With the safety of guests, staff and volunteers a top priority, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science will reopen its doors Saturday (Sept. 12) and Sunday (Sept. 13) with new public-health protocols, ticketing procedures, reduced hours and occupancy at no more than 25%. 

Commencing the next weekend (Sept. 18), the Museum will then operate Fridays-Sundays for the foreseeable future. To ensure the best experience during preferred times and to manage capacity, guests are strongly encouraged to purchase timed-entry tickets now on sale in advance at perotmuseum.org. 

Additionally, some areas of the Museum will be temporarily closed, including the Moody Family Children’s Museum, The Hoglund Foundation Theater and a number of interactive activities. Closures will be regularly reevaluated based on the lifting or reinstatement of CDC, state and local guidelines, so guests should check perotmuseum.org for the latest information.

Please check perotmuseum.org for updates on reopening procedures, such as ticketing, contactless entry, sanitation and safety measures. 

Amaze your brain at home with Perot Museum!

Have no fear, the Museum is still here! Amaze Your Brain at Home and watch your favorite concepts from the Museum come to life. Explore nature and science at home and in your backyard - all while using the most common household objects and supplies.

The Perot Museum is updating this page with videos, at-home experiments, and more!

Perot Museum's Ultimate Dinosaurs traveling exhibition makes Texas debut June 23

A dino-mite invasion makes its Texas’ debut June 23 at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. The traveling exhibition, Ultimate Dinosaurs, puts guests eye to eye with an incredible array of prehistoric dominators that thrived only in the southern hemisphere. With crazy claws and crocodile-like faces that would have intimidated a T. rex, these unique dinosaurs were funky and fierce!

Presented locally by Highland Capital Management, Ultimate Dinosaurs features full-sized skeletons, plus life-sized video projections of the creatures, interactive games, augmented-reality viewers and more.

Presented in English and French (with a Spanish audio guide available), the exhibition runs June 23, 2018-Jan. 6, 2019, and requires a surcharge for members and non-members. Member preview days are June 21-22.

Ultimate Dinosaurs is presented by the Science Museum of Minnesota and is supported locally by Hilton hotels of Dallas-Fort Worth and the “Explore Like a Local” program. More information at www.perotmuseum.org 

Education is Freedom annual fundraiser - An Evening with the Stars

Education is Freedom (EIF), Dallas’ most comprehensive college and career-readiness provider, held its second-annual fundraiser and scholarship reception – An Evening with the Stars – on Thursday, May 18, at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. The event recognized and rewarded EIF Scholars from 14 Dallas ISD schools by investing in their future.

Thanks to the continued generosity of Highland Capital Management, the scholarship reception honored more than 150 Dallas ISD seniors in the EIF Scholars Program who received personalized scholarships.

Event chairs were business leader Jim Keyes, who founded Education is Freedom in 2002, and his wife, philanthropic and community leader Margo Keyes.

Be immersed in a World of Living Light at Perot Museum's Annual Gala

Irradiate the imagination and explore the Perot Museum in all its gleaming glory at Night at the Museum: Illuminate, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science’s annual fundraising gala on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 7 p.m. to midnight. Be immersed in a world of “living light” with a shimmering evening of dinner, entertainment, dancing and sparkly feats that mark the Museum’s most anticipated philanthropic affair.

 

Get ready for an eye-catching, glowing surprise in the outdoor Plaza; experience nature’s brilliance from twinkling constellations to dazzling sunrises; and shine within the high-tech décor of black lights, fiber optics and more.
The invitation-only pre-party begins at 6 p.m. followed by the general party at 7 p.m. and an after-party from 9 p.m. - midnight. Dress is cocktail attire, and complimentary valet parking will be offered. Held on all five levels of the Museum, the glistening gala will feature unforgettable activities plus delectable cuisine from Wolfgang Puck Catering.

In addition to the scintillating permanent exhibitions, party goers will experience the Perot Museum’s “illuminating” fall traveling exhibition. Guests will discover nature’s incredible luminescence through thousands of living organisms that blink, glow, flash and flicker, from fireflies to jellyfish to glowworms.
Event chairs are Carrie and Steven Becker and Merry and Chad Vose, and honorary co-chairs are Deedie and Rusty Rose.

Proceeds from the annual Night at the Museum gala will support the Museum’s mission to inspire minds through nature and science, from on-site and outreach programs for pre-K through 12th graders, to financial assistance that allows students to visit the Museum, regardless of their school’s ability to pay. Underwriting contributions also fund research and collections efforts and help secure top-quality traveling exhibitions.

Ticket packages start at $2,500 (six attendees). Individual tickets are not sold. For more information, visit http://natm.perotmuseum.org/packages.html, email NightAtTheMuseum@perotmuseum.org or call 214.756.5806.

Perot Museum of Nature and Science and Dell Taking Science to the Streets with TECH Truck

Rolling into neighborhoods soon! Through a generous $1.13 million grant over three years from Dell, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science has created a mobile innovation truck that will bring science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) learning to a broader and more diverse audience in the D/FW region and beyond.

 

The Perot Museum TECH Truck, powered by Dell, will provide more opportunities for the community to engage in museum experiences through free, out-of-school educational and interactive programs, including drop-in sessions and workshops, using no- and low-tech activities as well as high-tech experiences. The program is designed to reach people who – for a variety of reasons – do not or cannot engage with the Museum at its physical location.

“We know there are families who never or rarely have an opportunity to visit museums, so we want to bring technology and digital literacy directly into their neighborhoods,” said Colleen Walker, Eugene McDermott Chief Executive Officer of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.

The super-cool, custom-outfitted van has been nicknamed TECH Truck, an acronym based on the program’s mission to inspire youth to “Tinker, Engineer, Create, and Hack.” Specially trained Perot Museum educators will work on a full- time basis to instruct children to solve design challenges through hands-on making, tinkering and creative problem solving. Activities will include soldering, squishy circuits, coding, robotics, wind-tube challenges, 3D printing, laser cutting and stomp rocket design, to name a few.

The TECH Truck will debut this fall, operating 300 days per year and reaching an estimated 20,000 people annually at community centers, libraries, public areas and parks, community events and schools. Plans are to launch a second TECH Truck in 2016. Each TECH Truck will be large enough to accommodate two staff members plus necessary materials and equipment. A pop-up awning will allow outdoor programming to take place adjacent to the vehicle.

 

For more information about the TECH Trucks, go to perotmuseum.org/techtruck

Perot Museum Travels to the Future With Night at the Museum: World of Tomorrow Gala

A robot bartender, a neon-lit time traveler, molecular gastronomical delights, virtual reality demos and 3D printing, and a Tesla packed with champagne were just a few of the highlights from the Perot Museum of Nature and Science’s Night at the Museum: World of Tomorrow gala held Nov. 15. Despite the chilly drizzle, over 1,000 grown-ups “came out to play” as the Museum celebrated its 2nd birthday with a night of futuristic fun exploring endless possibilities for travel and transportation, the field of medicine, art and fashion, and more.

Winter décor at the Perot Museum

 Honorary co-chairs Jan and Trevor Rees-Jones were on hand for the festivities overseen by event co-chairs Emily and David Corrigan and Carol and John Levy. Also attending were Lyda Hill, Lynn and Alan McBee, Mary McDermott Cook, Sally and Forrest Hoglund, and many of the Perot family members, including Ross Perot who led the VIP reception attendees in a hearty “hip hip hooray.”

Back row from left to right - Meegan Flanigan, Chris Flanigan and Brandon Cotter
Front row from left to right - Amy Cotter, LL Cotter, Ka Cotter, Leslie McCabe, Randy McCabe

 Technology and innovation were found in every corner with everything from up-close demonstrations of a state-of-the-art robotic surgical system and interactions with robots of all sizes, to medical marvels such as futuristic orthotics and artificial muscles.

Byron Neuhoff, Amanda Neuhoff, Rod Jones, Nancy Perot

 The night of discovery and thrills was topped off with an array of tantalizing bites provided by Wolfgang Puck Catering and dancing to popular live band, Professor D. (The complimentary flip-flops were a welcome sight for those with weary toes!)

Christi Perry, Bethany Huddleston

 “Our guests had the opportunity to witness some amazing advancements in science in everything from travel and medicine, to art and fashion,” said Colleen Walker, Eugene McDermott Chief Executive Officer of the Perot Museum. “And while it was a fun-filled night where the ‘grown ups’ had the Perot Museum all to themselves, the highpoint was knowing we’re raising considerable funds to not only expand our financial assistance to schoolchildren and needy families but to further develop our outreach programs.”

Clarissa Kelly Hunter, Courtney Hunter

 Lead commitments included $100,000 Planet-level contributions from Margot and Ross Perot and Lyda Hill; $50,000 Dinosaur-level contributions from Balfour Beatty Construction, Highland Capital Management and The Hoglund Foundation; and $25,000 Turbine-level commitments from Carol and John Levy, The Eugene McDermott Foundation, Suzanne and Patrick McGee, Ruth Mutch, Rod Jones and Nancy Perot, Katherine and Mike Phillips, Carolyn and Karl Rathjen, and Katherine and Eric Reeves.

Elaine Blacker, Robby Blacker

 The $12,500 Turbine-level supporters are Pat & Jane Bolin; Emily and David Corrigan; Ka and LL Cotter; Al G. Hill, Jr.; Rusty and John Jaggers; Palo Verde Oil; Pioneer Natural Resources; Catherine and Will Rose; The Rosewood Corporation; Jennifer and Andy Scripps; Gail and Jim Spann; and Jean and Tom Walter.

Ross Mulford, Tori Richard, Lauren Meyer, Finley Ewing

Proceeds from the annual Night at the Museum gala will support the Museum’s mission to inspire minds through nature and science, from on-site and outreach programs for pre-K through 12th graders, to financial assistance that allows students to visit the Museum regardless of their school’s ability to pay. Underwriting contributions also enable the Museum to continue ongoing research and collections management and to bring engaging traveling exhibitions to the Museum.

Ross Mulford, Nick Hermandorfer, Daniel Newland, Javier Marriott, Justin Maxwell

 

Actress Ashley Judd to Keynote TexProtect 10th Anniversary Celebration at Perot Museum

Actress Ashley Judd will be Keynote Speaker at TexProtects’ 10^th Anniversary Celebration on Oct. 14. Judd, who detailed her own childhood trauma in her memoir, "All That is Bitter and Sweet," will also attend a reception for lead sponsors and Board of Directors, chaired by John Castle.

“Ashley Judd’s personal story and her humanitarian work on behalf of abuse victims exemplifies the far-reaching effects of child maltreatment, but also the promise of healing from invisible wounds and most importantly, committing to investing in prevention ” said Madeline McClure, TexProtect’s founder and executive director. “We are thrilled to present Ashley Judd as we celebrate 10 years of successful work to reduce and prevent child abuse in Texas.”

TexProtects (Texas Association for the Protection of Children) also will present its 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award to Texas Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, an outstanding leader in the Texas Legislature for protecting victims of child abuse. Senator Nelson will be recognized for her work to increase Texas’ investment in prevention programs, such as the Nurse-Family Partnership, which sends nurses on home visits to help vulnerable, low-income mothers as well as her hard work to reform CPS.

 

The event will be held at 7 p.m. on Oct.14 at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas. Honorary Chair is Lisa K. Simmons and Event Chair is Pat Albritton Harloe.

 

Through advocacy, research and education, TexProtects has assisted and/or led the passage of over 37 bills that have improved the CPS system and advocated for and secured $71 million for voluntary family support home visitation programs, servicing over 20,000 Texas families.

 

Join se join TexProtects on Oct. 14 to celebrate 10 years of success in our mission to prevent and reduce child abuse. Table sponsorship begins at $2,500. Seating is limited. Buy a table or donate here.

Perot Museum Showcases The Hoglund Foundation Theater and National Geographic Partnership

Achieving a major milestone in its 18-month history, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science recently announced a five-year, multi-faceted partnership with scientific and educational giant National Geographic that makes it the only museum in Texas – and one of just a handful in America – boasting the exclusive alliance.

 

The partnership will involve branding of the Museum’s 3D theater; regional movie premieres and special access to Nat Geo’s vast film library; a speaker series and visits from Nat Geo experts; and world-class exhibitions created by Nat Geo along with photography workshops, travel opportunities and special benefits and discounts for Museum members.

Perot Museum chair Carolyn Perot Rathjen; John Wickstrom, director of film distribution for National Geographic Entertainment; Colleen Walker, the new Eugene McDermott Chief Executive Officer; Mike Costello, vice president of people; Kelly Hoglund Compton; and Jennifer Scripps, vice president of revenue operations

 The summer film line-up includes Pandas: The Journey Home 3D, presented by National Geographic; Flight of the Butterflies 3D; and Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia 3D.“We are thrilled to have the Perot Museum come on board as a partner,” said Mark Katz, president of distribution for National Geographic Cinema Ventures. “Not only will this partnership allow us to bring our films to Dallas, but the Perot Museum’s support will assist in our ongoing efforts to create engaging films for audiences here and around the world. Our goals are aligned, and our joint commitment to high-quality content makes this partnership a natural extension of both organizations’ missions.”

One of the most prominent aspects of the partnership is the Museum’s state-of-the-art 3D theater, which will now carry the National Geographic name The Hoglund Foundation Theater, a National Geographic Experience. The 297-seat theater boasts the most sophisticated digital projection available today and an immersive surround sound system. It allows quick program changes, the brightest and most crystal-clear images and presents striking colors through 4K digital projection.

The partnership will give the Perot Museum access to National Geographic’s entire inventory of stunning and award-winning long and short 2D and 3D films, plus the benefit of hosting local premieres and runs of all new National Geographic releases. The Museum will be the exclusive local host of the Nat Geo Live speakers series, where some of the biggest names in science will come to the Museum to share their discoveries and adventures.

 

Click here for Summer lineup of films.

 

Big Thought Big Day Kick-off Party Held March 1st at The Warehouse

Hosted by Husch Blackwell, the Big Thought Big Day Kick-off Party was held Saturday, March 1, 2014, at The Warehouse. Guests enjoyed a preview of the new gallery collection, Room by Room: Monographic Presentations from the Faulconer and Rachofsky Collections, now on display for public viewing. Valet was provided by Mary Kay.

Big Day event co-chairs Nikki and Crayton Webb (of Mary Kay)

 The Big Thought Big Day is not one, but actually two days of big fun (and learning!). On April 26-27, Big Thought’s Big Day will provide more than 2,000 Dallas ISD students enrolled in the Thriving Minds After-School program and their family members free tickets to enjoy the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Big Day is presented by Dallas nonprofit Big Thought, which supports after-school creative and arts education programming for elementary- and middle-school students across Dallas.

Carolyn Anderson, Alfreda Norman, Irene Hosford (of sponsoring company Husch Blackwell), Anita Tarar and Jason Railsback

The event honorary co-chair family is the Marilyn and Leo Corrigan, Jr. Family. Event planning co-chairs are Jennifer and Scott Chandler, Kate and Matthew Flume, Christa and Ketric Sanford, and Nikki and Crayton Webb.

Scott McKenzie and Buff LaGrange