Archive: Around Town

After completing a 6-year tenure on the board of directors of the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC), Sciencenter executive director, Charlie Trautmann, was praised for spearheading several initiatives that have strengthened science museums worldwide. For the past three years, he has led a strategic planning initiative to engage the public on issues at the intersection of science and society.

ASTC, based in Washington, D.C. represents 600 science centers in over 40 countries, and is dedicated to advancing the public understanding of science among increasingly diverse audiences. Trautmann held one of 10 U.S. seats on the board and represented small museums worldwide.

According to Anthony (Bud) Rock, ASTC CEO, “Charlie brought a wealth of knowledge about making science accessible to people, stemming from the Sciencenter’s model of engaging youth through interactive museum experiences. I am delighted with the impact he has made on our board and for science as a resource.”

“In his six years of service on ASTC's Board of Directors,” Rock said, “Charlie has been instrumental in helping our field focus on the most effective strategies for deeper community engagement in the science-based issues confronting society today. And with a wealth of leadership experience and accomplishment in his own science center, Charlie has also contributed valuable strategic direction to the professional development for our field, as well as personal mentoring to the next generation of science center leaders.” 

While on the board, Trautmann was centrally involved in ASTC’s International Action on Global Warming (IGLO) project.  He coordinated the Global Warming Toolkit, an online collection of free educational tools and resources designed to help science centers around the world work together to raise public awareness and understanding of the importance of climate change.


In addition to strategic planning and project work, Trautmann was an active participant on several the ASTC board committees, including the Conference Program Planning Committee, the Analysis & Trends committee, and the Nominating committee.

Said Trautmann, “Working side-by-side with the world’s best leaders in the museum field has opened many doors for the Sciencenter which has had a direct positive benefit on the museum, our staff and those we serve within our local community.  Through collaborative partnerships with other science museums,Sciencenter educators and exhibit developers are working at the forefront of the informal science education field and are developing cutting edge exhibits and programs for our visitors here in Ithaca, as well as for museum visitors in cities around the world.”

Since completing his ASTC board service, Trautmann has been asked to co-lead ASTC’s emerging strategic initiative on public engagement in science.

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