October 31, 2009–May 2, 2010

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.

For centuries, whales have captured the imagination. People have marveled at them, hunted them, and passionately protected them. Now, visitors have an opportunity to explore the world of these amazing sea creatures through a unique blend of science and storytelling.

Whales | Tohorā, a traveling exhibition created by Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum, presents stories from conservationists, scientists, whalers, and even whale riders. The exhibition presents a rich assortment of objects from Te Papa's whale collection, one of the largest in the world. Skeletons over 54 feet long (18 meters) are displayed, along with fossils, models, and specimens from many whale species. Beautiful taonga (cultural treasures) made from highly prized whale bone and whale teeth give evidence of the revered status of these animals. Click here to visit the official Web site.

Sponsored in part by:

Lectures

Do Right By the Right Whale with Angelia Vanderlaan
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Carnegie Lecture Hall, 1 p.m.
Free with museum admission

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.

Food for Thought Lunch & Lecture Series:
Whaling in the Pacific with James B. Richardson, III
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Dr. 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

Educator Workshops

Fee
$35 per participant, $25 for those who attended both of the 2009 Whales | Tohora workshops. Fee includes lunch. Pre-registration is required. Call (412) 622–3288 or email ProgramRegistration@carnegiemuseums.org.

Whales | Tohorā: Whale Conservation
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Center for Museum Education
9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Participating teachers earn four Act 48 hours.

There are many reasons for the decline of whales. Whale conservation involves protecting whales in the water, discovering reasons for whale strandings, and limiting the hunting of whales. Learn how whales are responding to protection efforts. Experience the Whale of a Day activities throughout the museum and then enjoy a presentation on whale conservation.

Homeschoolers

4 & 5 year olds: Whale of a Time
Whales are wonderful!  Learn all about blowholes and baleen.  Check out the flukes, flippers, and fun.
November 17

6 & 7 year olds: Whale’s Tales
What makes whales so fascinating?  Their evolution and lifestyle, as well as the many legends told about them!  Explore the science of whales, and also learn about the culture of the New Zealand Māori tribe.  Hear the amazing stories of whale riders.  Then enjoy a special tour of the Whales | Tohorā exhibition.
November 3

8 & 9 year olds: Whales | Tohorā
Explore the special exhibition Whales | Tohorā!  After visiting the exhibit, we will create whale art and stories inspired by those of the Māori people.
December 1

10 & 12 year olds: Whale Watch
Discover who whale ancestors are, and learn their anatomy. Whales are creatures of legend, and we will meet the people whose lives are closely linked to them. This will be a unique scientific and cultural experience, so jump into the world of whales!
December 1

Special Overnight

New!  A World of Whales
(Recommended for grades 1–6)
Dive into the exciting world of whales during this overnight adventure!  Learn about cultures shaped by their relationship with whales from the Arctic Inuit to the Māori of the South Pacific, make your own whale-inspired art, and explore the special exhibition Whales | Tohorā. 
November 20
February 5

Scouts
Boy Scouts Merit Badge Workshop: Mammals
Saturday, December 12
4½-hour workshop
10:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Participants will satisfy most badge requirements. Registration includes admission to the
entire Oakland museum complex. Includes tour of Whales | Tohorā exhibition.
December 12

Fee for Boy Scout Workshop
$15 per participant.
One adult for every five Scouts admitted free; additional adults pay $10.
Call (412) 622–3288 or email ProgramRegistration@carnegiemuseums.org

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.

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.

No Big Kids Allowed Day 2010
Monday, April 26
9:30 a.m.–2 p.m

Children ages 4-6 have a special day at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. On this day reserved just for them, they will enjoy a tour in Dinosaurs in Their Time and the traveling exhibition Whales | Tohorā.  Available activities include the Discovery Room, touchable carts, a take-home activity, and story time.

“Ask Me” Docents, Discover Carts, and Exploration Stations
Saturday, 12–4 p.m.
Sunday, 1–4 p.m.
Examine touchable whale objects up close! Learn how whales eat, using either baleen or teeth. Investigate replicas of whale teeth, and jump into a hands-on demonstration with baleen.

Discovery Room
Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sunday, 1–4 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 1–3 p.m.
Thursday, 1–7 p.m.
Note: May be in use by groups from 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
The “Fish or Whale?” activity in the Discovery Room enhances any Museum visit! Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Family Exploration Guides
Whether the museum is familiar territory or a place you have yet to visit, our new series of Family Exploration Guides enhances your experience! Modeled after scavenger hunts, these activities challenge visitors to mine our exhibitions for insight into the big ideas fundamental to our understanding of science. Some guides trace a theme through multiple halls and floors, while others expand your understanding of a single exhibition. Come back often – a new title will be added each month during 2010!