On January 31, 2025, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County unveiled its latest exhibition, Out of Site: Survey Science and the Hidden West, offering visitors a fascinating exploration of the scientific surveys that shaped the American West. Through a combination of historical artifacts, detailed maps, and engaging interactive displays, the exhibition delves into the pivotal role that survey science played in the exploration, development, and understanding of this vast and rugged region.
Exploring the Role of Survey Science in the American West
Out of Site takes a deep dive into the history of the surveys that helped map and document the American West, focusing on the impact these efforts had on the region’s cultural, environmental, and economic landscape. Through a series of captivating displays, the exhibition showcases how these surveys not only shaped the geographic understanding of the land but also influenced policies and development that still resonate today.
Visitors can explore how early surveyors ventured into the unknown territories, mapping uncharted territories and often facing great personal risk. The exhibition highlights the scientific innovations and techniques used by these pioneers and the lasting legacy they left on the country’s expansion. The scientific data they collected became crucial in settling the West, facilitating infrastructure development, and supporting land policies that altered the course of American history.
A Rich Display of Artifacts and Maps
The exhibition features an impressive array of artifacts and historical documents, including original survey tools, field notebooks, and letters from the surveyors themselves. These pieces give visitors a tangible connection to the past and offer a glimpse into the meticulous work required to map an untamed wilderness.
Perhaps the most striking elements of the exhibit are the vintage maps, which serve as windows into a time when much of the Western United States was still considered “hidden.” These maps, some of which were never previously displayed to the public, reveal how early surveyors interpreted the land, often from limited perspectives, and how these interpretations evolved over time.
Interactive Displays and Educational Insights
To complement the rich historical materials, Out of Site offers a variety of interactive displays designed to engage visitors of all ages. Interactive mapping stations allow guests to virtually navigate the surveys of the American West, highlighting how different survey techniques evolved and how these methods helped build the infrastructure of the region.
Additionally, visitors can explore digital reconstructions of the landscapes that early surveyors encountered, offering a visual contrast between the untouched wilderness and the modern landscape we see today. Educational panels provide deeper insight into the surveyors’ lives, challenges, and the impact of their work on indigenous communities, the environment, and the growth of the nation.
A Window Into the Past and Present
As the exhibition brings to life the history of survey science, it also raises questions about the ongoing relationship between science, exploration, and the environment. Out of Site encourages reflection on how scientific practices have shaped the modern understanding of the American West and its natural resources, and it challenges visitors to consider how these histories continue to influence present-day land use and conservation efforts.
The exhibition is not only a celebration of the scientific advancements made in the past but also an invitation to engage with the broader narrative of the American West, one that is still being written today.
An Educational and Immersive Experience
The Out of Site exhibition provides a rich, immersive experience for visitors to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. By combining historical artifacts, cutting-edge interactive displays, and thought-provoking narratives, it offers a unique opportunity to explore the hidden histories of the American West and the scientists who helped reveal them. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a science lover, or someone simply looking to learn more about the forces that shaped the West, this exhibition promises an enlightening and inspiring visit.
