Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame

By ANN Correspondent Aleta Vinas

In keeping with our look ahead into 2005, how about a review of the future? Most museums can show you history. Seattle's Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame (SFM) opened its doors in spring 2004 to devoted fans and newly initiated interplanetary explorers, who will boldly go where no one has gone before (and we don't mean the commisary).

It's a proven hit, with attendance quickly surpassing projections. Rich with innovative exhibits and educational programming, SFM explores the possibilities of the universe through its major theme of science fiction's impact on technology, the arts and society as a whole. First year highlights included the autumn Readings + Films series, which explored classic science fiction movies such as The Empire Strikes Back, 2001, A Space Odyssey and The Day the Earth Stood Still. Writer appearances featured some big names in science fiction such as Vonda N. McIntyre, Greg Bear, Lucius Shepard and others.

SFM also put on exclusive preview screenings of the film, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow and the TV mini-series, Legend of Earthsea. As a prelude to Halloween, SFM opened a comprehensive "The War of the Worlds" display featuring first editions of H.G. Wells' classic book and artifacts highlighting Orson Welles' radiobroadcast, George Pal's film and other versions of the story. Looking to the future (as always), SFM plans to launch new exhibits featuring some of science fiction's most popular franchises. (Firefly and the upcoming movie Serenity would make a great addition).

The museum will also continue to expand its innovative educational programs, including the Readings + Films series. Some of the 2005 presentations include an exclusive preview for SFM members of the two-hour Season Premiere of the NEW SCI FI Original Series Battlestar Galactica. The actual TV season premiere is Friday, Jan 14, so SFM members are getting a one-of-a-kind sneak preview. The schedule is already filling up with author and scientist meet and greet. They'll read from their works, discuss the future, field your questions, and sign books.

FMI www.sfhomeworld.org