Eclipse Partnership Coordinator RMSC Rochester, New York, United States
Abstract: To ensure that “everyone under the Sun” understood what it meant to be in the path of totality of the 2024 total solar eclipse, the RMSC (Rochester Museum & Science Center) designed and led outreach initiatives for the greater Rochester, NY region starting in 2019. This workshop will cover insights from 5 years of educating a region of 1.1 million people about the history and science of eclipses, including the following points:
* The impact of the RMSC Community Eclipse Ambassador program, which provided 50 regional organizations with astronomy training and equipment (a telescope, 1000 solar eclipse glasses, orreries, and a $1,000 stipend) so they could host eclipse events for their own diverse communities
* The benefits of decentralizing eclipse events and forming partnerships with non-astronomy and non-STEM-based companies and community organizations
* Tips for managing a 700-member eclipse task force
* The good, the bad, and the ugly of 6-foot-wide working pairs of eclipse glasses and 10-foot-diameter inflatable Suns
* What it was like to mobilize and work with artists, musicians, comedians, and playwrights on eclipse-based projects
* Incorporating astronomy education and excitement into over 40 non-STEM-based events and festivals.
After the presentation, an open discussion will be held to explore how to continue and expand partnerships post-eclipse.
