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Bringing Acorns Back to the Lab
Lawrence Hall of Science, UC Berkeley, USAFriday, May 22, 2026
A new exhibit at Lawrence Hall of Science shows how a community can keep its stories alive even when federal money disappears.
The Vision
- Name: Yuutka – “The Place of the Acorn”
- Location: UC Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science
- Concept: Blend real‑world plants with digital tools
Visitors can pick virtual acorns while learning about Ohlone traditions.
The Funding Battle
| Timeline | Event |
|---|---|
| Initial Grant | $1.4 million from the Trump administration |
| Cutting of Funds | Part of a wave targeting diversity and inclusion projects |
| Legal Response | Ohlone elders, youth, and scientists sued in court |
| Outcome | Judge ordered return of the grant and other rescinded funds |
Cutting science funding for political reasons can backfire.
Current Status
- Exhibit still in final stages.
- Funding uncertainty remains: NSF notice hints at suspension over “foreign funding,” despite all funds being U.S. dollars.
- Upcoming plans: a 2028 show on tule reed boats to further showcase indigenous knowledge.
Takeaway
- Community Voice + Science + Policy can clash yet cooperate when persistence is maintained.
- Museums become living spaces where past and future converge, accessible to scholars and the public alike.
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