Missouri History Museum

Race is a powerful concept that shapes how one sees others and is seen by others, yet few Americans understand what race is and what race is not. Historically, race has been a source of community strength and personal identity, as well as the basis for discrimination and oppression ranging from the horrific to the subtle. Today, scientific understanding of human variation is questioning "racial differences" and even challenging the very concept of race. To clarify the issue of race, the American Anthropological Association (AAA), with its sections, members and other science and humanities organizations, including the Science Museum of Minnesota, developed RACE: Are We So Different?, an interactive museum exhibition that allows visitors to learn the history of race, the role of science in that history and the insidious and obtrusive expressions of race and racism in institutions and daily lives. RACE: Are We So Different? opens at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park to the general public at noon on January 16, 2010, and runs through April 4, 2010.