Below are answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the Target America Exhibit at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry (MSI).

What is the Target America Exhibit?

The Target America Exhibit traces the effects drugs have not only on an individual, but also on a family, a community, the environment, the national community, and the world. It examines the costs and consequences of drug use in a very personal way by examining lives lost and those who have been affected by those losses. It looks at the beginning of the process in production labs and goes on to examine the delivery of drugs and their ultimate consequences.

How is the exhibit organized?

The exhibit is divided into fifteen sections. The first section begins with Debris Field, Drug Production, Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering and then moves to specific scenes that examine the effects of drugs. The exhibit eventually moves to an area called Breaking the Cycle; that is, how drugs have been and continue to be battled, and then there is the Chicago Story, the Discovery Corner and the Resource Center. A more detailed Self-Guided Tour is available as a printable PDF document.

What is the appropriate age-level for this exhibit?

This exhibit can be viewed by anyone who is 10 years old or older, but anyone not in high school should be accompanied by a teacher, parent, or guardian.

Can field trip groups visit this exhibit?

The museum encourages field trips and offers a variety of services for teachers who bring their students. See the Field Trip Section of the Museum Web Site for more information. Teachers must have permission from a parent or guardian for any student who will view this exhibit. An exhibit-specific Permission Form is available as a printable PDF document.

What is the purpose of this exhibit?

The purpose of this exhibit is to illustrate the extent of damage done, the amount of suffering experienced, and the talent lost to the world as a result of drugs. It also offers a message of hope. Addictions can be overcome. Drug routes can be interrupted. Criminals do go to jail. People can learn to say no. Lives can be saved. Furthermore, the exhibit offers a window into the technological advances law enforcement agencies have made in the pursuit of criminals.

Why would the public be interested in seeing Target America?

Several studies have established that from city to city 38–80 % of crime in this nation is drug-related or alcohol-related. Since we are all affected by drugs directly or indirectly, this exhibit has an impact on our lives. The technology alone affects us. Look at the POD cameras that may be on a corner watching and protecting us. (You will see one at the exhibit.) Look also at the highly sophisticated surveillance vehicle that gathers information. Target America documents what law enforcement is doing to curb the force of drugs in this country.

Why should I personally care about this exhibit?

Very few people are personally unaffected by the death of someone young. Most of us are connected to someone who died of an overdose, to someone who became unintentionally addicted to prescription drugs, to someone who became infected with a disease, or even to a friend of a friend who had a bad experience. No one is immune to the effect of drugs in our society because the U.S. offers one of the most profitable drug markets in the world, and illegal drugs have reached every area of the country. From a purely fiscal point of view, drugs cost this nation $265 billion dollars a year and we all pay that bill.

Will visitors have access to additional information about drugs?

The Resource Center will have numerous publications available for both students and adults in English and Spanish.

 Will the exhibit offer treatment and prevention information?

A section of the exhibit is devoted entirely to prevention and treatment. Also, materials will be available in the Resource Center to further support prevention and treatment.

 Will the exhibit look at the drug problem in Chicago?

Visitors will see the history of drugs in Chicago as well as law enforcement’s development of technology used to combat the criminals who sell drugs. When the Target America Exhibit closes on December 3, the Chicago Story will remain in Chicago permanently and will be displayed at Navy Pier for one year.

How much will it cost to see the exhibit?

Admission to this exhibit is free. Admission to the museum is free for field trips. Other Admission information can be found on the Museum of Science and Industry Web Site.

Will tour guides be available?

Tour guides will not be available. On weekdays, however, four presentations will be made in the West Pavilion every half hour beginning at 9:45 a.m. The intended audience is school groups.

How long will this exhibit be at the museum?

The exhibit runs from August 11 until December 3.

Is the exhibit handicapped accessible?

Yes. Elevators are available throughout the Museum, including the West Pavilion.

Can I take photos of the exhibit?

Visitors may take photos of this exhibit.

How can I receive other information about the museum?

The Museum offers a great deal of information on its Web Site. Under Services, visitors can find information about directions, parking, cafeteria services, and strollers. There are also answers to Frequently Asked Questions.