The Durham Museum to Open “Becoming Jane”
An Immersive Multimedia Exhibition on the Legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall
Exhibition on Display June 22 – October 13, 2024
Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace—has created an indelible legacy in the fields of science and conservation—a legacy celebrated in “Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall,” a new exhibition opening at The Durham Museum on June 22, 2024. Produced in partnership with the National Geographic Society and the Jane Goodall Institute, the exhibition explores Dr. Goodall’s life from her early years as an intrepid young woman with a dream to learn about animals in Africa, to her years establishing herself as a renowned scientist in Gombe, Tanzania to her present role as an activist, mentor and advocate for creating a better world for all life on Earth. “Becoming Jane” will remain open at The Durham until October 13, 2024.
Widely known for her innovative approach to animal behavior research, Dr. Goodall traveled to what is now Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park and immersed herself in observing chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Her work studying the lives of chimpanzees in the wild captured the imagination of the world. Rather than seeing the animals as subjects, she came to know them as individuals with personalities and emotions—a notion once rejected by the scientific world, yet now considered revolutionary. Her story—one of fearless determination, curiosity, the pursuit of knowledge and a passionate love of the natural world—has resonated with generations of people around the globe.
“This exhibition allows visitors to experience the incredible legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall and connect with her story of patience and perseverance,” said Jennifer Wallace, senior director of business development at the National Geographic Society. “Through immersive media and authentic scenic and interactives, the exhibition transports visitors into the field with Jane, experiencing her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees and her powerful message of hope.”
Highlights from the exhibition include:
- A multiscreen experience where visitors are introduced to Dr. Goodall’s extraordinary work, alongside surprising encounters with virtually rendered chimpanzees.
- A replica of Dr. Goodall’s research tent where, in a hands-on experience, visitors can envision themselves as scientists jotting down observations in their field journal.
- A hologram projection of Dr. Goodall who shares her memories in Gombe and recalls her thoughts, feelings, impressions and lessons learned while living among chimpanzees.
- An immersive projection of Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park.
- Interactive augmented reality (AR) activities, including one in which visitors can test their skills at matching the pant-hoot vocalization of a chimpanzee.
- Updates on the current state of Gombe Stream National Park and the chimpanzee range in Africa, along with the work of the innovative scientists and conservationists who are following in Dr. Goodall’s footsteps.
- A call to action to visitors from Dr. Goodall to join her, the Jane Goodall Institute and National Geographic in an effort to ensure a more sustainable future for us all.
- A pledge station where visitors can share what actions they will take to help Dr. Goodall in her mission.
“Dr. Goodall, who recently celebrated her 90th birthday, has led a remarkable life, crisscrossing the globe to bring her message of hope to millions. Becoming Jane shares, through her own perspective, that journey,” said Dawn Myron, The Durham Museum’s Director of Communications. “From exploring memories of her childhood, to reading her hand-written notes, you’ll feel as though Jane herself is guiding you through the story of her life’s work. And in fact, there’s a hologram of Jane where she does talk directly to visitors, making for a truly engaging experience!”
For museum admission and exhibition hours, please visit www.DurhamMuseum.org/jane.
The exhibition is supported locally by Mutual of Omaha; The Claire M. Hubbard Foundation; John and Lynne Boyer Family Foundation; Douglas County, Nebraska; Susan and George Haddix; Richard Brooke Foundation; Polina and Bob Schlott and The Durham Society. Media support by KETV.
Related Programming
Curious by Nature!
Wednesdays, June 26 – July 31, 11AM-2PM
Activities included with regular museum admission. No registration is required.
As a child, Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE had a natural love—and curiosity—for animals and the outdoors. She never outgrew that curiosity and encourages us all to hold onto it. Foster your child’s natural curiosity in the world around them with fun family-friendly activities every Wednesday, June 26 – July 31. Join us for one activity or all three!
- Take part in Tales for Tots, 11AM-Noon: Young Jane loved to read! Join us at The Platform for a read-aloud picture book followed by recycled material crafts.
- Learn about Conservation, 11AM-Noon: Channel your inner Dr. Goodall and make a pledge to be a champion for conservation! Engage with a local organization involved in nature conservation, enjoy a themed activity and discover ways your family can support conservation efforts. Visiting organizations include Exist Green, Pottawattamie Conservation, Nebraska Recycling Council and more.
- Learn about Wildlife, 1-2PM: Dr. Goodall teaches us that we each have a responsibility to the natural world. Each week be introduced to an animal from around the world with Wildlife Encounters, learn about their native habitat, natural behaviors and what we can do to help the animals we share this planet with.
Plus, attendees will have full access the museum’s galleries, including the Becoming Jane exhibition! In between activities, guests can refuel at the Soda Fountain (meals and treats available for purchase) and shop for souvenirs sourced from the Jane Goodall Institute at the museum shop.
Additional programming to be announced, visit www.DurhamMuseum.org/jane to learn more.
About Dr. Jane Goodall
Jane Goodall was born on April 3, 1934 in London, England. At the young age of 26, she followed her passion for animals and Africa to Gombe, Tanzania, where she began her landmark study of chimpanzees in the wild—immersing herself in their habitat as a neighbor rather than a distant observer. Her discovery in 1960 that chimpanzees make and use tools rocked the scientific world and redefined the relationship between humans and animals. In 1977, she established the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) to advance her work around the world and for generations to come. JGI continues the field research at Gombe and builds on Dr. Goodall’s innovative approach to conservation, which recognizes the central role that people play in the well-being of animals and the environment. In 1991, she founded Roots & Shoots, a global program that connects young people in more than 60 countries to be conservation activists in their daily lives. Today, Dr. Goodall travels the world, speaking about the threats facing chimpanzees, other environmental crises, and her reasons for hope. In her books and speeches, she emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living things and the collective power of individual action.
About the Jane Goodall Institute
The Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) is a global, community-centered conservation organization founded in 1977 that advances the vision and work of Dr. Jane Goodall in over 30 countries around the world. We aim to understand and protect chimpanzees, other apes and their habitats, and empower people to be compassionate citizens in order to inspire conservation of the natural world we all share. JGI uses research, collaboration with local communities, best-in-class animal welfare standards, and the innovative use of science and technology to inspire hope and transform it into action for the common good. Through our Roots & Shoots program for young people of all ages, now active in over 60 countries around the world, JGI is creating an informed and compassionate critical mass of people who will help to create a better world for people, other animals and our shared environment. To learn more about Dr. Goodall and the Jane Goodall Institute visit janegoodall.org and follow @JaneGoodallInst on Facebook and Instagram.
About the National Geographic Society
The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 15,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories and content. To learn more, visit www.nationalgeographic.org or follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
About The Durham Museum
The Durham Museum in Omaha’s beautiful art deco Union Station is home to permanent exhibits that preserve Omaha’s vibrant history, traveling exhibits covering subjects ranging from history and culture to science and industry, and many entertaining, educational, family-oriented activities. The Durham Museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and has strong ties with national and international museums and lending institutions. For information about The Durham Museum please visit the museum’s website at www.DurhamMuseum.org.
