February | March | April | May

Carnegie Museum of Natural History is closed to staff and public on Tuesday, February 9.

Carnegie Museum of Natural History is committed to providing a wide range of lectures, workshops, and classes that tie in with our exhibitions and special events.  Check these pages often for updates!

Adult Programs | Free Activities for Families | Tours for Schools & Groups

Holiday Hours: Open on Presidents' Day: Monday, February 15

Population Impact
Through 2011

What part do humans play on ecosystems? What part do ecosystems play on humans? Population Impact focuses on populations—of humans, plants, and other animals—and regional and global ecosystems: how they are endlessly connected, and how they are affected by human decisions on the use of resources.

Explore the current topics of human population growth, tree cloning, biodiversity, and more through specimens, photographs, text, and graphic elements, with a special focus on the research being done by Carnegie Museum of Natural History scientists.

The Drue Heinz Lecture Series: Barry Lopez

Note: This lecture is currently planned to proceed as scheduled.

Monday, February 8
7:30 p.m.
Carnegie Music Hall

One of America’s most loved and respected nature writers, Barry Lopez is best known for his National Book Award winner, Arctic Dreams, an eloquent, compelling defense of the Arctic wilderness. The author of six books of nonfiction and eight books of fiction, his work examines the relationship between the physical landscape and human culture. “There are simply no answers to some of the great pressing questions,” Lopez says. “You continue to live them out, making your life a worthy expression of leaning into the light."

Members: $20, Non-Members: $25
Visit http://www.pittsburghlectures.org/interior.php?pageID=208 for more information, or call 412.622.8866.

Image: Humpback calf,
courtesy Dr. Ingrid Visser,
Orca Research Trust

Whales | Tohorā
Through May 2
R.P. Simmons Family Gallery, Third Floor

Developed and presented by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. This exhibition was made possible through the support of the New Zealand Government and the Smithsonian Institution.

Sponsored in part by:

Girl Scout Day 2010
Saturday, February 20
10:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

All Brownies, Junior Girl Scouts, Cadettes, Senior Scouts, and Leaders are invited to attend! The day’s events include Scouts-only activities that focus on life sciences and culture. Scouts will explore the new, exciting Dinosaurs in Their Time and the temporary exhibition Whales | Tohorā.  All activities fulfill some component of badge or award requirements and are for Girl Scouts only.

Fee
$10 per participant—includes museum admission, activities, and a custom-made embroidered patch for Scouts. One adult for every five Scouts admitted free.

Registration
Contact Group Visits at 412.622.3289 or GroupVisits@carnegiemuseums.org.

Lord of the Crane Flies
Through June
3rd Floor Exhibition Foyer

This exhibition focuses on Invertebrate Zoologist Chen Young's nearly 30 years of work on crane flies. Exhibition includes photographs, illustrations, specimens and video all about crane flies—what they are, where they live, how they are collected and studied, and why they are an important part of the planet we share.

Photo: Pedicia albivitta by Donna Race

Food for Thought: Lunch and Lecture Series
Thirteen Million and Counting with Chen Young, PhD
Wednesday, February 10
10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Dr. Chen Young, Associate Curator of Invertebrate Zoology, is your behind-the-scenes guide into our insect collection—numbering over 13 million specimens!—and the world of crane flies. Learn how researchers decide where to collect and the ways in which museum collections safeguard diversity. The day’s activities include a tour of two exhibitions highlighting the important and exciting work of our “bug guys”: Lord of the Crane Flies and Population Impact.

Members: $40
Non-Members: $45
Includes lecture, lunch in the Carnegie Café, exhibition tour, and museum admission.
Pre-registration is required. Call 412.622.3288 or email ProgramRegistration@carnegiemuseums.org.

Overnight Adventures
Bring your sleeping bags for a "camping" experience inside Carnegie Museum of Natural History! Sleep tight in the company of a rhinoceros, or roll out your sleeping bag in the high meadow next to a grizzly! Visit the Overnight Adventures page for program descriptions and registration information.

New! A World of Whales February 5
Dino-rific Preschool Pajama Party February 19
Slumber Safari for Girl Scouts February 26

A Whale of A Day
Saturday, February 6
10 a.m.–4 p.m.
All activities free with museum admission

Our goal is “To Save Them All: From the whales down to the small.”  Learn about whale conservation on this activity-packed day, as well as preservation and environmental activities in Pennsylvania. The focal point of the day will be a lecture on right whale conservation efforts and how they seem to be working.

Image: Humpback calf, courtesy Dr. Ingrid Visser, Orca Research Trust

Whale Lecture
Do Right by the Right Whale with Angelia Vanderlaan
Lecture Hall, 1 p.m.

North Atlantic right whales were the “right whales” to hunt because they moved slowly and floated at the surface when dead. This led them to become one of the most critically endangered marine mammal species in the world, but recent conservation efforts may be bringing the whales back. Angelia Vanderlaan, winner of the 2008 William T. Hornaday Conservation Award, will share good news about these gentle giants.

Poetry/Music/Dance Performances
Out of the Deep: Interactive Performance
Hall of North American Wildlife, 11 a.m.

Out of the Deep is a suite celebrating humans connecting with gray whales, the great creatures of the deep, through poetry, dance, and music. After the performance of selections from the suite, the audience is invited to interpret dramatic readings for themselves. Poetry/text by Rosaly DeMaios Roffman, music by David Berlin, and choreography by Holly Boda-Sutton. Performed by members of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Dance Theater.

Out of the Deep: An In-Depth Look
Lecture Hall, 3 p.m.

Discover the inspiration behind the performance piece—gray whale mothers bringing their babies to meet whale watchers in San Ignacio Lagoon in Baja California, Mexico. After an encore performance of selections from the Out of the Deep suite, the three artist collaborators discuss the creation of this work, including how whale communication is incorporated into the music. Poetry/text by Rosaly DeMaios Roffman, music by David Berlin, and choreography by Holly Boda-Sutton. Performed by members of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Dance Theater.

Homeschool Programs
Visit the Homeschool Programs page for program descriptions and registration information.

Homeschool Classes for Tuesday, February 9 are cancelled.

Ages 4 & 5
Brrr…Cold enough for you? February 9
Roots & Shoots February 23

Ages 6 & 7
Grizzly Bears, Polar Bears, Black Bears, Oh My! February 9
Discovering the Plains Indians February 23

Ages 8 & 9
Hopi Life February 9
Living Fossils February 23

Ages 10–12
People of the Poles February 9
Fact or Fiction February 23

Boy Scout Merit Badge
Archaeology
February 6

Spring is the time to think of gardens and plants in bloom. Discover the world of plants at Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and learn how museum scientists work to keep plant life healthy and diverse. Visit the Scouts page for registration information.

Western Pennsylvania Geology Talks
For more information, contact Albert D. Kollar, Geologist/Collection Manager, at kollara@carnegiemnh.org or 412.622.5513.

February 9
The Geology That Underlies Squirrel Hill, Frick and Schenley Parks
Squirrel Hill Historical Society, Sixth Presbyterian Church
7:30 p.m.

February 22
Geology, Paleoclimates, and Public Programs
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
10 a.m.–noon
Free with museum admission

Free Winter Activities at Powdermill Nature Reserve

Powdermill Nature Reserve is the biological research station of Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Located in Rector, PA, amidst the rolling Laurel Highlands, wildflowers, trees, songbirds, and salamanders can be examined by eye, ear, magnifying glass, and camera. The world-class research programs at Powdermill, including the renowned bird-banding laboratory, take advantage of the biodiversity of the Allegheny Mountains. For more information or directions, click here to visit the Powdermill Web site or call 724.593.6105.

Winter Nature Hikes
Saturday, 1 p.m.
Free; no registration required

On Saturdays, join Senior Environmental Educator Joe Stavish for family-appropriate, seasonal nature hikes. These hour-long hikes take place in snow, rain, wind, or cold, so please dress appropriately.

Scientific Lecture Series for Adults
Sunday, 1 p.m.
Free; no registration required

On Sundays throughout winter, enjoy a scientific lecture series given by naturalists, scientists, and researchers from Powdermill Nature Reserve and Carnegie Museum of Natural History, as well as some special guest speakers. Talks are geared toward adults and last between 30 and 60 minutes in the Parker Room of the Nature Center.

Image: Humpback calf, courtesy Dr. Ingrid Visser,
Orca Research Trust

Whales | Tohorā
Through May 2
R.P. Simmons Family Gallery, Third Floor

Developed and presented by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. This exhibition was made possible through the support of the New Zealand Government and the Smithsonian Institution.

Sponsored in part by:

Boy Scout Day 2010
Saturday, March 20
10:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

All Cub Scouts, Webelos, Boy Scouts, and Leaders are invited to attend! The day’s events include Scouts-only activities with an emphasis on the new, exciting Dinosaurs in Their Time and the traveling exhibition Whales | Tohorā.  All activities fulfill some component of badge requirements and are for Boy Scouts only. Please note: Boy Scout merit badge workshops will not be available on this day.

Fee
$10 per participant—includes museum admission, activities, and a custom-made embroidered patch for Scouts. One adult for every five Scouts admitted free.

Registration
Contact Group Visits at 412.622.3289 or GroupVisits@carnegiemuseums.org.

Lord of the Crane Flies
Through June
3rd Floor Exhibition Foyer

This exhibition focuses on Invertebrate Zoologist Chen Young's nearly 30 years of work on crane flies. The exhibition includes photographs, illustrations, specimens and video all about crane flies—what they are, where they live, how they are collected and studied, and why they are an important part of the planet we share.

Photo: Pedicia albivitta by Donna Race

Overnight Adventures
Bring your sleeping bags for a "camping" experience inside Carnegie Museum of Natural History! Sleep tight in the company of a rhinoceros, or roll out your sleeping bag in the high meadow next to a grizzly! Visit the Overnight Adventures page for program descriptions and registration information.

Nighttime on the Nile March 5
Career Capers March 19
Dino-ROAR! March 26

SPARKS Parent/Child Workshop
Saturday, March 6
9 a.m.–4 p.m.

The primary goal of Bronx Zoo-initiated SPARKS (Supporting Parents in Advocacy, Reform, and Knowledge in Science) is to promote parental involvement in children’s science education. During our SPARKS workshops, parents and children are divided into separate groups for the morning session, re-grouping in the afternoon. Children participate in guided museum activities while parents learn tactics to engage their children in museum exhibits, the natural world around them, and scientific exploration. Parents also learn how to design science- and nature-related activities, encourage children to ask questions, and find the answers together!

Free, but pre-registration is required. Space is limited, so register early. Recommended for children grades K–5. For more information, please contact Marie Pocasangre at 412.578.2456 or pocasangrem@carnegiemnh.org.

Food for Thought: Lunch and Lecture Series
Whaling in the Pacific with James B. Richardson, III, PhD
Wednesday, March 3
10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Dr. Jim Richardson, Curator Emeritus of the Section of Anthropology, talks about whaling in the Pacific. The day’s schedule includes a tour of the Whales | Tohorā exhibition, as you discover the complex relationship between whales and Pacific Islanders. Dr. Richardson then focuses on the other side of the pond and Pacific whaling on our coast.

Members: $40
Non-Members: $45
Includes lecture, lunch in the Carnegie Café, exhibition tour, and museum admission.
Pre-registration is required. Call 412.622.3288 or email ProgramRegistration@carnegiemuseums.org.

Geology Hike
For more information, contact Albert D. Kollar, Geologist/Collection Manager, at kollara@carnegiemnh.org or 412.622.5513.

March 7
Geology of Frick Park
Hike in collaboration with Nine Mile Run Watershed Association
1–3:30 p.m.

Homeschool Programs
Visit the Homeschool Programs page for program descriptions and registration information.

Ages 4 & 5
Going on Safari March 16

Ages 6 & 7
What If I Were A Paleontologist? March 16

Ages 8 & 9
Reuse & Recycle March 16

Ages 10–12
Like A Rock March 16

Girl Scout Cadettes and Seniors Interest Project
Plant Life
March 6

Spring is the time to think of gardens and plants in bloom. Discover the world of plants at Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and learn how museum scientists work to keep plant life healthy and diverse. Visit the Scouts page for registration information. Image: Jane Hyland

Educator Workshop
Gems, Minerals, and Geology
Saturday, March 27
Center for Museum Education
9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Participants earn five Act 48 hours

Carnegie Museum of Natural History has one of the finest mineral collections in the United States, and the most beautiful exhibition hall. Tour Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems and Wertz Gallery: Gems and Jewelry, experience rocks and minerals first-hand in our classroom, and discover activities you can take back to your students.

Fee:
$45 per participant. Pre-registration is required. Call 412.622.3288 or email ProgramRegistration@carnegiemuseums.org.

Population Impact
Through 2011

What part do humans play on ecosystems? What part do ecosystems play on humans? Population Impact focuses on populations—of humans, plants, and other animals—and regional and global ecosystems: how they are endlessly connected, and how they are affected by human decisions on the use of resources. Explore the current topics of human population growth, tree cloning, biodiversity, and more through specimens, photographs, text, and graphic elements, with a special focus on the research being done by Carnegie Museum of Natural History scientists.

Free Winter Activities at Powdermill Nature Reserve

Powdermill Nature Reserve is the biological research station of Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Located in Rector, PA, amidst the rolling Laurel Highlands, wildflowers, trees, songbirds, and salamanders can be examined by eye, ear, magnifying glass, and camera. The world-class research programs at Powdermill, including the renowned bird-banding laboratory, take advantage of the biodiversity of the Allegheny Mountains. For more information or directions, click here to visit the Powdermill Web site or call 724.593.6105.

Winter Nature Hikes
Saturday, 1 p.m.
Free; no registration required

On Saturdays, join Senior Environmental Educator Joe Stavish for family-appropriate, seasonal nature hikes. These hour-long hikes take place in snow, rain, wind, or cold, so please dress appropriately.

Scientific Lecture Series for Adults
Sunday, 1 p.m.
Free; no registration required

On Sundays throughout winter, enjoy a scientific lecture series given by naturalists, scientists, and researchers from Powdermill Nature Reserve and Carnegie Museum of Natural History, as well as some special guest speakers. Talks are geared toward adults and last between 30 and 60 minutes in the Parker Room of the Nature Center.

Free Family Activities

Free with museum admission. Check at any Information desk for a list of the day's events!

Image: Humpback calf, courtesy Dr. Ingrid Visser,
Orca Research Trust

Whales | Tohorā
Through May 2
R.P. Simmons Family Gallery, Third Floor

Developed and presented by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. This exhibition was made possible through the support of the New Zealand Government and the Smithsonian Institution.

Sponsored in part by:

Egg-cellent Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 3
10:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
Free with museum admission

On this day, Carnegie Museum of Natural History is all about EGGS! These aren’t your ordinary hidden eggs. Travel all over the museum on a scavenger hunt for egg-related, hands-on activities. The first 1,000 participants receive a “field guide” to help in the hunt.

Lord of the Crane Flies
Through June
3rd Floor Exhibition Foyer

This exhibition focuses on Invertebrate Zoologist Chen Young's nearly 30 years of work on crane flies. Exhibition includes photographs, illustrations, specimens and video all about crane flies—what they are, where they live, how they are collected and studied, and why they are an important part of the planet we share.

Photo: Pedicia albivitta by Donna Race

Overnight Adventures
Bring your sleeping bags for a "camping" experience inside Carnegie Museum of Natural History! Sleep tight in the company of a rhinoceros, or roll out your sleeping bag in the high meadow next to a grizzly! Visit the Overnight Adventures page for program descriptions and registration information.

Rock Around the Clock April 9
Slumber Safari April 23

Earth Day All Month Long
April 3, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25
10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Free with museum admission

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, so we want to make the occasion special! Celebrate every weekend in April with special activities for all ages.

Boy Scout Merit Badge
Geology
April 17

Rocks and fossils rule! Visit the museum that was built for and built of fossils. Explore how minerals play an important role in our lives, and how rocks and fossils are a key to Earth’s history. Visit the Scouts page for registration information. Photo: Deb Wilson

Western Pennsylvania Geology Series
For more information, contact Albert D. Kollar, Geologist/Collection Manager, at kollara@carnegiemnh.org or 412.622.5513.

April 7–May 5
Geology of the Montour Trail
University of Pittsburgh Osher Institute
1–3 p.m.

Homeschool Programs
Visit the Homeschool Programs page for program descriptions and registration information.

Ages 4 & 5
Spring into Action April 6
April Fooling April 20

Ages 6 & 7
These Feet Can't Be Beat! April 6
Fun and Games April 20

Ages 8 & 9
Going Places April 6
Into Africa April 20

Ages 10–12
Take A Hike April 6
Lovely Lepidoptera April 20

Population Impact
Through 2011

What part do humans play on ecosystems? What part do ecosystems play on humans? Population Impact focuses on populations—of humans, plants, and other animals—and regional and global ecosystems: how they are endlessly connected, and how they are affected by human decisions on the use of resources. Explore the current topics of human population growth, tree cloning, biodiversity, and more through specimens, photographs, text, and graphic elements, with a special focus on the research being done by Carnegie Museum of Natural History scientists.

Free Family Activities

Free with museum admission. Check at any Information desk for a list of the day's events!

Western Pennsylvania Geology Series
For more information, contact Albert D. Kollar, Geologist/Collection Manager, at kollara@carnegiemnh.org or 412.622.5513.

April 11
Geology and Natural History of the Montour Trail
Peters Creek Valley Hike
9:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Image: Humpback calf, courtesy Dr. Ingrid Visser,
Orca Research Trust

Whales | Tohorā
Last Day: May 2
R.P. Simmons Family Gallery, Third Floor

Developed and presented by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. This exhibition was made possible through the support of the New Zealand Government and the Smithsonian Institution.

Sponsored in part by:

Educator Workshop
Songbirds
Saturday, May 15
Powdermill Nature Reserve
8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Participants earn five Act 48 hours

Powdermill Nature Reserve is one of the wonders of Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Visit the bird banding station at Powdermill, where more than 400,000 birds have been banded over the past fifty years. Also learn about other avian research conducted at Powdermill, such as the bioacoustical monitoring of night migratory birds. Bird banding begins at 4:00 a.m., and will still be in progress when the workshop begins. For more information and directions to Powdermill, visit www.powdermill.org.

Fee:
$45 per participant. Pre-registration is required. Call 412.622.3288 or email ProgramRegistration@carnegiemuseums.org.

Lord of the Crane Flies
Through June
3rd Floor Exhibition Foyer

This exhibition focuses on Invertebrate Zoologist Chen Young's nearly 30 years of work on crane flies. Exhibition includes photographs, illustrations, specimens and video all about crane flies—what they are, where they live, how they are collected and studied, and why they are an important part of the planet we share.

Photo: Pedicia albivitta by Donna Race

Overnight Adventures
Bring your sleeping bags for a "camping" experience inside Carnegie Museum of Natural History! Sleep tight in the company of a rhinoceros, or roll out your sleeping bag in the high meadow next to a grizzly! Visit the Overnight Adventures page for program descriptions and registration information.

Biodiverse Beasts May 7

Population Impact
Through 2011

What part do humans play on ecosystems? What part do ecosystems play on humans? Population Impact focuses on populations—of humans, plants, and other animals—and regional and global ecosystems: how they are endlessly connected, and how they are affected by human decisions on the use of resources. Explore the current topics of human population growth, tree cloning, biodiversity, and more through specimens, photographs, text, and graphic elements, with a special focus on the research being done by Carnegie Museum of Natural History scientists.

Western Pennsylvania Geology Series
For more information, contact Albert D. Kollar, Geologist/Collection Manager, at kollara@carnegiemnh.org or 412.622.5513.

April 7–May 5
Geology of the Montour Trail
University of Pittsburgh Osher Institute
1–3 p.m.

May 2
Geology of the Montour Trail
Bike ride in collaboration with Venture Outdoors
11 a.m.

Free Family Activities

Free with museum admission. Check at any Information desk for a list of the day's events!