National Geographic Archives - The Source

Hollywood on the Highway

High Desert Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw brings the sizzle

Howard LeffMay 30, 2018April 12, 2025

“It’s a transformative experience for people.” Dana Whitelaw’s eagerly explaining her museum philosophy. “I firmly believe that,” says the High Desert Museum‘s executive director. “The way that our permanent exhibitions are immersive scenes. They put the visitor in the place and time without a ton of panels to read. It’s more about the experience than […]

Outside

The Biggest Stinker of Them All

That’s not the neighbor’s ganja you’re smelling

Jim AndersonSeptember 9, 2015June 11, 2025

Back in 1979 I was the manger of Ramsey Canyon Preserve in southeast Arizona, once known as the “Hummingbird Capitol of the World.” Unbeknownst, however, to the birders who labeled that beautiful place for the 12-or-so hummingbirds that were around in summer, it is also the “Skunk Capitol of the World.” All four skunks native […]

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