Adler Planetarium and DuSable Museum to Spotlight Women in STEM with Hidden Figures Revealed
In partnership with the DuSable Museum of African American History, the Adler Planetarium will present “Hidden Figures Revealed,” a three day event celebrating the many contributions of African-American Women in STEM.
Inspired by the real-life stories of the women in the novel turned Oscar-nominated movie, Hidden Figures,Hidden Figures Revealed will spotlight the women profiled in the celebrated novel and film through a newly installed exhibition case dedicated to these women as well as special STEM-based programming and panel discussions at both museums.
At the Adler Planetarium, the women of Hidden Figures—NASA mathematicians Dorothy Vaughn, Mary Jackson and Katherine Johnson, now have their own installation in the museum’s Mission Moon exhibition. Mission Moon tells the compelling story of America’s first steps into space through the lives of those who lived it. Without the NASA mathematicians who developed the complex mathematical calculations needed to ensure successful space travel (many of them African-American women) America would not have won the space race. Guests will learn more about Vaughn, Jackson, and Johnson through photos, artifacts and excerpts from their stories.
The women of Hidden Figures succeeded despite the racism and sexism they faced, but five decades later, women and people of color are still severely underrepresented in scientific fields.
During Hidden Figures Revealed, African-American STEM professionals will discuss these challenges and share their own stories during panel discussions. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in film screenings and a variety of STEM-based programming designed to inspire the next generation of leaders in the sciences.
Programming for the celebration is made possible by PNC and the Chicago Community Trust. For more information on Hidden Figures Revealed, visit adlerplanetarium.org.
