Oregon Museum of
Science & Industry
Editorial Strategy + Copywriting
I grew up playing in the hallowed halls of OMSI — an iconic Portland institution that has sparked curiosity for visitors of all ages since the early 1900s. So when they asked me to help launch their new brand and website with a hero story series, my inner child replied with a resounding HECK YES.
Interviewing the experts
I had the privilege of interviewing OMSI team members across the organization, from exhibit designers to researchers to educators. Through these conversations, I developed a strategy to bring their stories to life.
OMSI is more than a museum.
I learned OMSI conducts their own primary research onsite (I had no idea!), and transforms their findings into interactive traveling exhibits that make learning about the most impactful issues of our time fun and memorable.
They work with community partners who bring BIPOC voices and wisdom to the center of their work. And their programs reach across the region, from delivering giant inflatable whales and exploding chemistry sets to rural schoolhouses, to tailoring after school programs for ESL students here in the Portland area.
The real heroes
Working closely with OMSI’s in-house team, I wrote a series of short “hero stories” capturing the heart of their brand to weave throughout their new website – from a highlight on community impact to a deeper dive on their creative process at the onsite exhibit shop. These are a few faves.
Behind the Scenes at the OMSI Exhibit Shop
What does it take to build an exhibit that can fit into a trailer and travel the country? Take a peek into our exhibit shop to find out.
What do a portable planetarium, an inflatable whale, and a bearded dragon have in common? They all hit the road to bring OMSI fun to schools across the region.
What do skunks have to do with preschool math?
More than you might think! Find out how OMSI gets creative to help early childhood educators teach STEM in playful, memorable ways.
In short…
OMSI is even cooler than I thought. Writing about these amazing stories was a joy and privilege for my inner child and for the grownup me who believes in the power of science to shape a better world.
Client
OMSI
Role
Writer
Dream Team
Heather Wadia
Michael Perman
Russ Repp
Deliverables
Team interviews
Story arc strategy
Hero stories x10
Web copy blurbs x8