Charles (Charlie) Carlson

Profile Updated: February 12, 2024
Residing In Berkeley, CA USA
Spouse/Partner Nancy Jackson Carlson
Occupation Senior Scientist (retired) at The Exploratorium
Children Ingrid, born 1981, died 2008
Montgomery, born 1985, died 2016
Oliver, born 1989
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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.

School Story

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.

Charles (Charlie)'s Recent Comments

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Dec 07, 2019 at 10:06 PM

Posted on: Jan 05, 2018 at 9:27 PM

As you get older things tend to conk out. Typically the muscles go, the brain slows, and the joints don't move as well, but all in all, it's been a great improbable ride. I'm looking forward to this next year. Hoping to do a bit more travel to the far ends of the earth. Hoping my son makes it into medical school. Planning on doing some consulting, and getting a new puppy to the ongoing chaos that makes life. They're so darn cute.

Apr 30, 2020 at 8:10 PM

Posted on: Nov 13, 2016 at 3:35 PM

I was one of the youngest members of the class of '64, and transferred to Ygnacio Valley when the school opened. Interestingly, I feel somewhat orphaned by the process, not that I spend any time focused on the experience, but there are so few folks in the class of '64 that remember me or any of us transfers for that matter.

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Posted: Dec 31, 2022 at 12:00 PM
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Posted: Jan 05, 2018 at 9:04 PM
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Me this past summer standing in front of my lush new bamboo growth.