JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Back by popular demand! Last year’s Sci-Fi Day was so successful it’s been expanded to Sci-Fi Weekend. MOSH will be THE place to be May 4 and 5 for science fiction fans young and old to gain insight into some of their favorite films and literary works.
“The goal of Sci-Fi Weekend is not to create a con environment but rather an educational one with the underlying theme being both an exploration of science fiction in terms of its history and influence and the fact that the science fiction of yesterday is the science fact of today, and tomorrow,” said Thomas Webber, Director of the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium at MOSH.
Nebula award-winning science fiction writer Walter Jon Williams will headline the event. Some of his work includes “Hardwired,” “Voice of the Whirlwind” and “Angel Station.” Other special guests will include engineer Carl Sheldon (James Doohan impersonator a.k.a. Scotty from Star Trek) and actor John Broughton, Captain Carter from “Starship Farragut.”
The weekend’s activities include:
- Photos with Roxy the Rancor
- Farragut Film Sets
- Recreation of Dr. Who’s Tardis
- Shoot the Trooper with 501st Legion and Florida Garrison
- Dr. Mike Reynolds, “Science Fiction and Science Fact”
- Cosplay panels
- Juan Sanmiguel, “The History of Science Fiction”
- Thomas Webber, “The Physics of Star Trek: Distances, Velocities and Warp Drive”
- Planetarium Programs narrated by science fiction actors
- Custom Cosmic Concert
Clubs and collectors displaying sci-fi memorabilia will also be on hand. Other program participants include Starfleet International, TARDIS of Jacksonville, Orlando Area Science Fiction Society, Jacksonville Public Library, Museum of Contemporary Art, Northeast Florida Astronomical Society and Florida State College of Jacksonville.
Two pre-events will be held to kick off the weekend. On Thursday, May 2, Stanley Kubrick’s interpretation of Arthur C. Clark’s classic 2001: A Space Odyssey will be screened in the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium followed by a discussion about the film. And, on Friday, May 3, Dr. Wayne Wood will present The Future of Architecture. The fee for each of these events is $10; they start at 7 p.m.
Sci-Fi Weekend tickets can be purchased online at www.themosh.org. While tickets will be available at event, it is highly recommended patrons pre-purchase tickets. There is limited availability for some of the presentations.
Some Sci-Fi Weekend activities are included with museum admission. There are additional fees for some of the programs. MOSH is offering a limited number of VIP Q-Continuum Passes, which guarantee access to all programs, including the Thursday and Friday night activities, for $125.
The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) is located at 1025 Museum Circle near Friendship Park. MOSH, first chartered in 1941, inspires the joy of lifelong learning by bringing to life the sciences and regional history. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Thursday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and 12 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for children ages 3 through 12, seniors and military. There is no admission fee for children 2 and under or museum members. Admission is $5 on Fridays. For more information, visit www.themosh.org.