RACE: Are We So Different?

RICHMOND, Va., Feb. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The story of race seems as old as mankind itself and has become intertwined with all of our lives. In Virginia the story easily goes back hundreds of years. These differences have offered us strength, community and identity, while these same differences have also been the historical basis for discrimination and oppression.

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Scientific understanding of human variation is beginning to challenge "racial" differences and even question the very concept of race. We invite you to explore these ideas as the Science Museum of Virginia proudly hosts a spring filled with events, discussions, presentations, workshops and the groundbreaking exhibition RACE: Are We So Different? through Sunday, April 29.

No matter your color or background RACE will give you an opportunity to examine yourself and how you see others. "This is an important subject that touches us all, regardless of who we are," says Science Museum of Virginia Chief Wonder Officer Richard C. Conti. "The RACE exhibition is just one element in a variety of experiences that brings new ways of looking at the variations of humanity through the framework of science."

RACE examines the topic from scientific, historical and cultural perspectives, demonstrating how economic interests, power struggles, scientific research and even popular culture have informed the American understanding of race, and have provided a sturdy framework for discrimination. The exhibit shines a spotlight on our experience with the concept of race in everyday American life — at school and work, at the doctor's office and in the halls of Congress. Join us as we celebrate the scientific fact that we are all part of the human race.

RACE is a project of the American Anthropological Association and is funded by the Ford Foundation & National Science Foundation. It is proudly sponsored in Richmond by Bon Secours Virginia Health System, MeadWestvaco, SUPERVALU, The Community Foundation, Wells Fargo, Capital One, Columbia Gas of Virginia, Owens & Minor, Virginia Credit Union and Virginia Foundation for the Humanities.

RACE is included with Museum admission. Tickets are $10 for ages 4-12 and 60+ and $11 for ages 13-59 or free for members. For more information visit www.smv.org or call 804.864.1400. The Science Museum of Virginia is located at 2500 West Broad Street, Richmond VA 23220.

SOURCE Science Museum of Virginia