Associations and Societies
Association of Science-Technology Centers, Washington, DC: ILE facilitated part of a long-range planning program; ILE worked with the Youth ALIVE! Program to develop descriptive materials and request-for-proposal language, as well as serving on review panels throughout the life of the project.
Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR: ILE worked with the Trust and Jane Clark Chermayeff Associates to develop programming for this major land conservation agency which fully involves the local residents in scientific research and discovery.
ExhibitsUSA, Kansas City, MO: ILE is providing evaluation services to the NEH on the Road program which is circulating downsized NEH-supported exhibitions to small museums.
Gettysburg National Battlefield Museum Foundation, Washington, DC: ILE assisted Foundation President Bob Wilburn with the early stages of development of a new museum located on this national historic site.
Joint Oceanographic Institutions, Washington, DC: ILE conducted research on the traveling exhibitions industry, providing the organization with data and information essential to making a decision to not develop a museum-based traveling exhibitions program.
National Geographic Society, Washington, DC: ILE worked with National Geographic Television and Films in the development and production of a large-format film and accompanying educational materials. The subject is extinct Mesozoic marine reptiles, with a working title of Sea Monsters.
National Parks and Conservation Association, Washington, DC: ILE interviewed National Park Service employees in Washington, DC, and at sites around the country to establish baseline information on the status and success of NPS' public education efforts.
Museums, Aquariums and Zoos
Akron Zoological Park, Akron, OH: ILE, with subcontractor ERA, conducted a feasibility study for an aquarium proposed for Akron's rapidly-renewing downtown, along with an analysis of programming and partnering opportunities for the Zoo that might be generated by the aquarium and/or other downtown development.
Audubon Institute, New Orleans, LA: ILE participated in several aspects of exhibit and program planning for the proposed Audubon Insectarium, including proposal preparation, charette facilitation and, working with ERA, an updated feasibility study.
Belmont Bay Science Center, Woodbridge, VA: ILE is part of the team assembled by Gyroscope to develop the experience plan for this new science center just outside Washington, DC. The project started in early 2006, with the initial plan completed in December.
Bishop Museum, Honolulu, HI: ILE worked with staff across the museum on planning for program and facility expansion as well as federal grant proposal preparation. ILE facilitated the initial national conference, which thus far has led to several national collaborations on space science.
Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL: ILE worked with programming and marketing staff to develop a plan for new, engaging exhibits which will increase attendance. We were part of the team led by Economics Research Associates that developed a comprehensive Master Plan for the full revitalization of the Zoo supported by a major capital campaign.
Buffalo Museum of Science, Buffalo, NY: ILE worked with senior management of this museum in a variety of restructuring efforts, including hiring new staff. We assisted the President/CEO in developing new initiatives, recasting the visitor experiences, and developing a long-range plan for the reconfiguration of the museum into a more vital part of the Buffalo community. This included a comprehensive environmental scan of western New York and adjacent Canada.
California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA: ILE consulted with staff throughout the museum on public programs planning and management.
Chicago Academy of Sciences, Chicago, IL: ILE, with subcontractor Jeff Kennedy Associates, developed the exhibit master plan for the new Lincoln Park museum facility, which opened in 1999.
Children's Museum of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT: ILE worked with the museum and Salt Lake County to identify and select exhibition designers and fabricators for the new Discovery Center, currently under construction in the new Gateway development on the west side of downtown Salt Lake City.
Cincinnati Museum of Natural History, Cincinnati, OH: ILE worked with the Programs Division on strategic planning for changes that resulted from the move to Union Terminal and the need to present a different program mix and style to a more-demanding public.
City Museum, St. Louis, MO: ILE and subcontractor AMS Planning & Research conducted an in-depth assessment of management, marketing, finance and program efforts and plans as required by the Missouri Finance Development Board. ILE also provided City Museum with the outline of a strategic planning process.
Dakota Science Center, Grand Forks, ND: ILE worked with staff and board on a strategic plan for this young science center.
Dallas Museum of Natural History, Dallas, TX: ILE conducted an in-depth evaluation of education programming.
Denver Museum of Natural History (now Denver Museum of Nature & Science), Denver, CO: ILE advised on many aspects of planning and implementing the Space Science Initiative project planning, including internal organization, community engagement, content development and proposal preparation.
Detroit Science Center, Detroit, MI: ILE, with subcontractor Economics Research Associates, conducted an intensive study of the current circumstances and future possibilities for the Center; this resulted in board reorganization and a major physical redevelopment program which opened in the summer of 2001.
East Tennessee Discovery Center, Knoxville, TN: ILE, subcontracted to Gyroscope Design, worked on the masterplanning process for the proposed expansion and relocation of this (currently) small general science museum and medical education organization.
ECHO (formerly Lake Champlain Basin Science Center), Burlington, VT: ILE reviewed operational proformas and assisted the museum in developing a financial model for museum expansion.
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, Fort Worth, TX: ILE worked on planning for a new paleontology exhibition gallery.
Fresno Metropolitan Museum, Fresno, CA: ILE, under contract to AMS Planning & Research, completed preliminary planning for the California State Agriculture Museum. This included study of other California agriculture education centers, establishing the role for the new museum, projecting its attendance and budget, and developing a preliminary exhibition and education program.
Illinois State Museum, Springfield, IL: ILE is part of a large team directed by PSA Architects of Peoria developing the Master Plan for the Museum's expansion.
Interactive Learning Center, Boulder, CO: Under subcontract to White Oak Associates, ILE prepared part of a feasibility study for a new informal science experience in downtown Boulder.
International Museum of Art and Science, McAllen, TX: Both independently and as a subcontractor to PPI, ILE assisted with planning new science programming and developing a Rio Grande River initiative which includes providing tabletop exhibits and allied activities to community centers and schools in both Texas and Mexico.
Invention Factory , Trenton, NJ: ILE, with subcontractors Economics Research Associates and Sally Woliver Associates, developed an economic and feasibility plan for the development of a new museum of science, technology and invention. We also assisted ERA in the production of an economic impact study for that project.
Koshland Science Museum, Washington, DC: ILE is working with the Koshland Science Museum to place a 1,500 exhibition on global warming in another venue after it completes its time in the Koshland facility.
Living Planet, Murray, UT: ILE and subcontractor AMS Planning & Research conducted a comprehensive feasibility study for a new aquarium in Salt Lake City. This included study of national comparables, work with regional educators, determination of the role of the aquarium as both an educational facility and a tourist attraction. We also developed a general program for the aquarium and capital and operating budgets.
McWane Center (formerly Discovery 2000), Birmingham, AL: ILE consulted with the Center on exhibition development and collections management for a new facility that recently opened in downtown Birmingham.
Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA: ILE, as a subcontractor to AMS Planning & Research, conducted research in support of the Aquarium's marine conservation education outreach initiative.
Mount Vernon Museum of Incandescent Lighting, Baltimore, MD: ILE, working with AMS Planning & Research, prepared an operating proforma for this remarkable collection of lighting equipment.
Museum of Discovery, Little Rock, AR: ILE researched the availability of "off-the-shelf" exhibit units and activities which can be combined into educational and entertaining traveling exhibitions to circulate throughout the state of Arkansas. We also worked with Gallagher Design on the master plan for the reorganization and reprogramming of all the museum's public spaces.
Museum of Discovery and Science, Fort Lauderdale, FL: ILE conducted an appraisal of existing museum programs and worked on strategic planning for future museum programs and facility expansion. In particular, we carried out strategic planning for the museum school and provided basic research on new and creative earned income opportunities to support the expanded facility.
Museum of History and Industry, Seattle, WA: Working with subcontractors, ILE developed the strategic master plan for the move of the museum to a new facility in Seattle's expanding Convention and Trade Center.
Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, IL: ILE organized a two-day charette as the Museum developed plans for reorganizing its program offerings and upgrading its visitor experience.
National Aquarium, Washington, DC: ILE provided an educational needs assessment for the aquarium located in the Commerce Department in downtown Washington, DC.
National Aviation Hall of Fame Learning Center, Dayton, OH: Working as a subcontractor to PPI, ILE provided services to the exhibits and public programs of this museum which opened in 2003. In particular, we conducted extensive front-end visitor research, worked closely with exhibit designers on content and approach, and researched the demand for a traveling exhibition on the Hall of Fame's enshrinees.
National Inventors Hall of Fame, Akron, OH: ILE worked with NIHF, conducting visitor surveys, focus group research, and providing general consultation in relation to long-range education program and exhibit development, including focus group research and audience surveys.
National Law Enforcement Museum, Washington, DC: Under contract to CB Services, ILE is working on the preliminary education program for this developing museum.
National Museum of Military History, Manassas, VA: As a subcontractor to Gallagher Associates, ILE helped this developing museum understand its potential audiences and develop the first array of educational experiences. This museum is being built around an extensive collection of military vehicles, most of which are in working condition.
National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC: ILE worked with staff of the new Discovery Center and IMAX theater and the museum's Education Department to develop programs and educational materials to accompany the 3-D IMAX film on the Galapagos Islands which is the museum's first large-format film. We currently are working on an evolution education initiative.
Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, Cleveland, OH: ILE advised on the center's first strategic planning process.
Newark Museum, Newark, NJ: ILE worked with Science Department staff to develop a basic plan and implementation strategy for reinstalling the natural history collections and creating an interactive Science Gallery.
North Carolina Museum of Life and Science, Durham, NC: ILE worked with the museum on the initial development of the interactive zoo program (BioQuest), including facilitating the national planning session. We assisted with the development of the BioQuest outdoor exhibition area as well as other current museum initiatives. ILE also conducted research on mathematics exhibitions for the NCMLS and the North Carolina Grassroots Museums collaborative.
Omaha Children's Museum, Omaha, NE: ILE completed the master plan for the 5,000 sq. ft. "Owen Science Center" exhibit gallery, which opened in 1996.
Oregon Zoo, Portland, OR: ILE worked with the Zoo and the California Condor Recovery Program on an educational initiative focused on public access to information about this important reintroduction of an endangered species to its historic territory.
Paleontological Research Institution, Ithaca, NY: With subcontractor Jeff Kennedy Associates, ILE conducted a feasibility study, including rejection of a hospital as a museum site, and developed a preliminary program for a new public museum. This facility opened in fall 2003.
Pennsylvania Veterans Museum, Media, PA: ILE, subcontracted to AMS Planning & Research, contributed to the feasibility study for this museum which opened in 2005 in suburban Philadelphia.
Riveredge Nature Center, Newburg, WI: ILE, with subcontractor ERA, conducted a market study for this rural nature center as it prepares for both program and facility expansion.
Rocky Flats Cold War Museum, Arvada, CO: ILE prepared the scoping (feasibility) study for the proposed new museum interpreting the site of a Cold War nuclear weapons parts production facility just northwest of Denver. We were assisted by subcontractors Economics Research Associates' Chicago office and Gallagher and Associates.
Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence, RI: ILE worked with zoo education staff to devise and obtain support for exhibitions of local species in the new education facility.
Royal Alberta Museum, Edmonton, AB: ILE, subcontracted to White Oak Associates, conducted research for a possible traveling exhibition gallery and program for this expanding museum.
Royal Tyrrell Museum, Drumheller, AB: ILE is partnered with Aldrich Pears Design to develop an interpretive plan for eleven fossil sites across the province.
Science and Discovery Center, Horseheads, NY: ILE is preparing a business and strategic plan for this small science museum in New York's Southern Tier.
Southwest Heritage, Inc., Naples FL: ILE, with subcontractors Jeff Kennedy Associates and Sally Woliver Associates, conducted a feasibility study for redevelopment of the historic Naples Depot into a museum. It is now part of the Collier County Museum System.
Space Science Institute, Boulder, CO: ILE consulted with SSI on exhibition design and educational programming for the traveling "MarsQuest" and "Earth Systems Science" exhibitions.
Texas Tech University Museum, Lubbock, TX: ILE provided assistance with exhibit planning, staff and student training, and proposal development for the new paleontology gallery.
Turtle Bay Exploration Park, Redding, CA: ILE developed a comprehensive master exhibition and education program plan for a $50-million project under subcontract with Wolfkeens, Inc.
Union Station Kansas City, Kansas City, MO: ILE is working with staff in preparation of AAM accreditation documentation.
Washington Pavilion of Arts and Sciences, Sioux Falls, SD: Working with Webb Management Services, ILE analyzed the operations of the multifaceted cultural center to provide guidance to the City of Sioux Falls.
Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta, GA: ILE conducted intensive audience research, and provided program development, long-range planning, and fundraising assistance for the Conservation Education and Research Center, currently under construction.
Zoological Society of Florida, Miami, FL: ILE conducted basic research on zoo visitors and the state of Hispanic education. We facilitated a national invitational workshop, which led to a proposal for a major redirection of the Zoo's educational and marketing efforts. ILE worked with staff from across the entire zoo to develop a comprehensive plan for the Zoo's new Tropical Americas exhibition and program.
Commercial Clients
Bruce Mau Design, Toronto, ON: ILE developed parameters for and comparables to the proposed Mississippi River Experience, a project located in New Orleans and sponsored primarily by Tulane University.
Dawber and Company, Bloomfield Hills, MI: ILE assisted Dawber to assess the audience projections for a major traveling exhibition.
ITA Explore, Tel Aviv, Israel: ILE represented this Israel-based educational film producer as it expanded its motion-base film market into the United States.
Media and Films
Meridian/Windfall Productions and the University of Oregon: ILE provided consulting services in the development of a PBS series devoted to research on cold and the search for absolute zero.
Proctor's Theatre, Schenectady, NY: ILE prepared an initial feasibility study for the addition of a large-format theater to the developing entertainment center that surrounds the theater.
Shaftesbury Films, Toronto, ON: ILE consulted with this media corporation on a large-format film and accompanying programming related to brain function and neurophysiology.
Universe Partners, Salt Lake City, UT: ILE assisted this purpose-formed LLC with developing strategies for the production of a large-format film and associated educational programs featuring the theoretical astrophysics of English scientist Stephen Hawking.
WEDU/Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI), Tampa, FL: Working as a subcontractor to ERA, ILE helped develop a strategic plan for the co-location of the PBS station to MOSI's campus.
Foundations and Funders
Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD: For several years (1992-1995), ILE provided broad consultant support to the Science Education in Museums grant program.
Lucent Technologies Foundation, Murray Hill, NJ: ILE managed a multi-year initiative which granted funds to science center-based youth science programs. The work included facilitation of planning sessions, development of the RFP for the initiative, consultation on evaluation, ongoing monitoring of funded sites, overseeing the annual and final report process, and making recommendations to the Foundation. The initiative was terminated in 2003.
Government Agencies
City of Brewer, ME: ILE prepared an initial feasibility study for a proposed Penobscot River Discovery Museum in this small city adjacent to Bangor. The museum is to be developed around the human and natural history of the Penobscot River watershed. ILE now is preparing a plan for a "Brewer Waterfront Historical Trail" to encourage visitors to see the natural and cultural history of the Penobscot from various viewpoints throughout the city.
City of Rockville, MD: ILE, with subcontractor Museums+more, conducted the feasibility study for a science center/complex in Rockville. We now are assisting with initial implementation.
National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD: ILE identified and reviewed all NIH science education programs and recommended evaluation strategies as a part of the national FCCSET program.
State of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT: ILE conducted a feasibility study for a career awareness program. The program has subsequently been incorporated into the Children's Museum of Utah
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago, IL: As a subcontractor to Haley Sharpe Designers, ILE was part of a team that created the master plan for a new Visitor Center to be located adjacent to the Chicago Lock at the mouth of the Chicago River.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, LA: Working under a contract with Filament Design Studio, in turn contracted to GEC, ILE was part of the team that developed the initial master plan for a public interpretive center for the Atchafalaya Basin Project in Morgan City, LA.
U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, TN: Working with Museums + more of Washington, ILE is preparing an interpretive plan for the Manhattan Project facilities and events in Oak Ridge, one of WWII's "Secret Cities."
Utah State Department of Economic Development, Salt Lake City: ILE worked as a subcontractor to ERA on the development of the Business Master Plan for the Utah State FairPark.
Windsor, Ontario, City Government: Under contract to Economics Research Associates, ILE contributed to a feasibility study for new science center.
Universities/Research Centers
Center for American Archeology, Kampsville, IL: Working with subcontractor Economics Research Associates, ILE developed a strategic plan for the repositioning of this center which sponsors and hosts research on the Native Americans of the Illinois and Mississippi River Valleys.
Natural Heritage Trust, Albany, NY: Working with Gensler Architects (New York) and Dan Martin of ERA, ILE helped a broad-based advisory committee develop plans for a world-class river and estuary research and education institute to be located in the Hudson River valley.
Tulane University, New Orleans, LA: Under contract to Economics Research Associates, ILE contributed to a strategic feasibility plan for the proposed Mississippi River Center, a research and public education facility focused on the culture and environment of the lower Mississippi River.
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC: ILE worked with the Search Committee for the Director of the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center to identifiy appropriate candidates for that position. We also researched approaches to the presentation of ongoing scientific research to the public in anticipation of expansion of the facility.
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