Sam in his (work in progress) 1978 Boston Whaler

MUSEUM STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Have you ever wondered what goes into creating the exhibits that bring science and nature to life at the Museum? Meet Sam Butz, our Exhibit Specialist. Since joining the Museum team earlier this year, Sam has been working behind the scenes to transform ideas into engaging, hands-on experiences for visitors of all ages.

With a background in anthropology and a passion for building, problem-solving, and the outdoors, Sam brings a unique perspective to exhibit development. Whether he's designing graphics, installing exhibit components, or finding creative ways to tell Mississippi's natural science stories, his work helps visitors connect with the people, places, and wildlife that make our state so special. Learn more about Sam and the fascinating work that goes into creating Museum experiences!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR MDWFP’S MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE?

I joined the museum team three months ago.

WHAT’S YOUR WORKDAY LIKE?

Some days, I might be working with contractors or vendors, installing an exhibit component, or figuring out how to fix a problem with an existing exhibit, and other days I’m working on graphics or exhibit designs.

There’s a good mix of computer work and hands-on work.

A big part of my job is taking an idea or a story and figuring out how to turn it into something visitors can experience.

Sam and wife, Becca, at the end of the Camino de Santiago hike

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND EDUCATION

I’m from the Mississippi Gulf Coast and have always been interested in nature and history.

I started out with an associate degree from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, then went on to get my bachelor’s in Anthropology from Southern Miss and my master’s in Anthropology from Ole Miss.

My background in anthropology has had a big influence on the way I approach exhibits because I’m interested in how people understand the world and how we tell stories about it. I’ve always liked figuring out how things work and creating things.

Outside of work, I spend a lot of time fishing, hunting, hiking, traveling, gardening, working on boats and motorcycles, and building things in my workshop.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CAREER?

I chose this career because it combines a lot of things I enjoy. I like research, but I also like designing, building, problem-solving, and working with my hands. Exhibits bring all those things together.

I also like that the work is something people can experience. You can take a complicated idea and turn it into something that everyone can enjoy and understand. Being able to create an experience that people can see, touch, and interact with is really rewarding.

HOW DOES YOUR JOB CONTRIBUTE TO CONSERVATION?

A big part of conservation is getting people to care about the natural world, and I think exhibits can help with that. If people understand something and feel connected to it, they’re more likely to want to protect it.

If someone leaves the museum with a little more appreciation for Mississippi’s wildlife and natural resources, then I think we’ve done something useful.

Sam Butz, Exhibit Specialist