Public invited to share living with wildfire stories with BSM

Interactive exhibit opens June 13

LOS ALAMOS, NEW MEXICO, June 11, 2012—Beginning June 13, the public is invited to Los Alamos National Laboratory’s Bradbury Science Museum to take part in “Living With Wildfire: Share Your Stories.” An opening reception for the general public is from 3:30 to 6 p.m.

Nearly one year ago the Las Conchas fire burned in forest areas surrounding Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and forced a one-week closure. The wildfire spared the Laboratory, but it affected thousands of residents in Northern New Mexico. The exhibit provides an opportunity for people to share their stories about the Las Conchas fire and other wildfires, listen to stories told by others and watch a slideshow that describes the community’s response to wildfires.

“I was at home looking forward to a quiet evening with Janet — it was our wedding anniversary — when I got a call to look outside,” Laboratory Director Charlie McMillan recalled about the Las Conchas fire. “I knew right then it was going to be a long week.”

“I’ll never forget my first view of the Las Conchas fire from my backyard,” said Bradbury Science Museum Director Linda Deck. “It was as if a volcano was going off over the hills. I know Los Alamos and Northern New Mexico residents will have their own strong memories of living with wildfire, and this interactive exhibit gives our community a venue to tell them. It’s a shared experience that helps define and unite us as a community.”

The public can reserve time to record their stories here.  During the session, audio and photographs will be recorded as the storyteller follows prompts to assist them in their responses, said Deck. The exhibit will remain up indefinitely.

The Bradbury Science Museum features films and interactive exhibits interpreting LANL’s contributions to modern science, research, and technology, including its role in the Manhattan Project and current mission in national security.

The Bradbury Science Museum is open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. The museum is located at 15th Street and Central Avenue in downtown Los Alamos. Photos are allowed.

For more information, contact Mary Ellen Ortiz at (505) 664-0244 or go to the Museum’s website.