BBP in Brief, Issue 3, October 2004

Marine Education Internship with the American Museum of Natural History
Linda Hammerton (College of The Bahamas)

For two months over my summer break, I had the pleasure to intern with the out-reach staff of the Center for Biodiversity and Conservation (CBC) of the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH). During the month of July, I worked at the CBC’s office in New York City, aiding in the compilation of an educational booklet that will be a companion to the Fully Protected Marine Reserves exhibition (see article above). In August, I was back in Nassau and continued helping the CBC out-reach staff plan a meeting in collaboration with the Ministry of Education for educators and conservationists to discuss methods for teaching about the marine environment.

For me the trip to New York was a totally new experience—it was my first time away from home, for so long and in such a big city. Moreover, it proved to be most memorable, exciting and informative. I learned many new things working at AMNH, not just from the staff in the CBC but also from roaming through the Museum and exploring its many different facilities. This experience not only provided me with a wealth of knowledge, but also with a great deal of exposure to other cultures and a taste of life in “The Big Apple.” Information about next year's internship will be available in the Spring of 2005.