Charles (Charlie) Carlson

I worked at the Exploratorium, founding and developing the life sciences/biology section. I was planning on going to medical school, but once I started working at the Exploratorium a whole new and exciting world opened before me--the dust never settled. I've developed exhibits, exhibitions, and educational programs over a 40 plus year career, and gotten to--been privileged to--work with an incredible array of highly talented people.

My life has been profoundly affected by mental illness, bi-polar disorder that manifested in two of my children. My daughter Ingrid died in 2008 and my oldest son Montgomery succumb to mental illness this year. My friends, colleagues, and new/old bride have provided the comfort and love to see me through to these points.

So many schools, so many transitions--growing up in a newly rising suburban landscape. Oddly, after attending the 50th reunion dinner, I was duly surprised to remember so many male friends from Gym class and all the wacky primate behaviors that found expression on a daily basis. I think it was connected with the anxiety of being naked, the rush of getting into gym clothes and the back into street clothes, sometimes without the prospects of a dry towel or time to shower that make it to the next class on time.