Lynchburg woman uses passion for globes to create unique museum

Kimberly Soerensen is opening the region’s first globe museum this weekend at the Riverviews Artspace in Downtown Lynchburg

January 31, 2012|Tim Saunders | Reporter/Lynchburg Bureau Chief

LYNCHBURG, Va. —

Kimberly Soerensen has built up quite a collection of globes.

“I love political history and I think they’re just beautiful scientific instruments,” said Soerensen, showing off her broad assortment of antique and handmade globes.

She was drawn to the objects ten years ago, while working as a designer.

“To me it’s the ultimate in form and function,” Soerensen said. At first it was just a fun hobby. “I didn’t really collect them at that point,” Soerensen said. “I would purchase old globes on eBay and at thrift stores.” Soon her home was filled with more than 150 globes.

“There’s only so many globes you can have in your house before you become the equivalent of the crazy cat lady,” Soerensen said with a laugh.

“After a while I was known as the globe lady who had all the answers,” said Soerensen.

Soerensen has become an international globe expert, capturing the attention of Oprah Winfrey and The New York Times.

She scouts rare pieces for collectors and museums all over the world.

“It’s really a global network, no pun intended,” said Soerensen.

Today Soerensen is sharing her unique passion with a local audience. She’s opening “Omniterrum,” the region’s first globe museum this weekend at the Riverviews Artspace in Downtown Lynchburg.

“What we hope to do is be interactive with the community,” said Soerensen.

Sorensen’s museum isn’t just for globe enthusiasts and collectors. It’s a place where everyone can learn about geography and history.

“We need to expand our knowledge of geography and history to be competitive with the rest of the world,” said Soerensen. “We’d like to help schools and individuals with that.”

She’s out to make the world a little smaller, by sharing her “global” knowledge with everyone.

Jake MooreJanuary 31, 2012