From Prey to Protection February 1, 2011

For thousands of years, mankind has hunted and harvested whales. Fifty years ago, public opinion began to change, just as commercial harvests were wiping out whale populations worldwide. Overnight, commercial whaling came to a virtual halt, and protecting whales from further harm became the top priority. What happened? Why? This special exhibition explores the recent history of whaling and looks into some of the events which helped to bring about this complete turnabout in public attitude. Among the contributing factors explored are scientific advances, popular culture, environmental activism, and international politics. The exhibit examines whaling and anti-whaling activity around the globe today, from subsistence whaling by Alaska's Inuit peoples to the "Whale Wars" of cable television. The exhibition brings together artifacts, historic film, and audio and graphic elements to not only tell the story, but also to illustrate how much of what we hear and see today is designed to persuade us to particular points of view. The final piece of the exhibit is an informal poll, allowing visitors to express their own view of today's whaling controversies.