June | July | August | September

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

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

Insects, Ink & Inklings: Illustrations by Jane Hyland
June 14 - November 1, 2008
3rd Floor Exhibits Foyer

Jane Hyland, scientific preparator and illustrator for Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s Section of Invertebrate Zoology, will be exhibiting her most recent artwork examining the complex and fascinating anatomy of moths.

In addition to these works, moth specimens from the collection will be on display in five wall-mounted insect cases which will juxtapose Hyland’s scientific illustrations with the research moth specimens, which were collected from many parts of the world.

In Harmony with Nature II: Photos by Donald M. Robinson
Through September 14, 2008
R.P. Simmons Family Gallery

In Harmony with Nature II: Photos by Donald M. Robinson is a celebration of the works of a nationally acclaimed photographer. For more than 50 years, Don Robinson has explored landscapes, wildlife, and the human condition. From the dawn of nature’s beauty to the last frontiers on Earth, these pictorial essays extend beyond documentation; the collection is a novel of personal experiences and expressions of the universe and all its glory. This vast collection is on loan to Carnegie Museum of Natural History from the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art.

Time Machines: Watches from the H.J. Heinz Collection
Extended through Fall 2008
Wertz Gallery, Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems

Pittsburgh ketchup and sauce magnate H.J. Heinz (1844-1919) amassed an extensive collection of timepieces during his lifetime. These chronometers offer an array of incredible artistry and amazing mechanical ingenuity.

Through this collection, it is possible to study the evolution of watches as machines, tracing the steps in development from portable sundial to more modern sophisticated mechanical watches. Examples include a gold mechanical “repeating watch” with figures that strike the hour; a watch owned by Lord Nelson, the hero of the Battle of Trafalgar; and a music box watch with a feathered singing bird.

The Heinz Collection is regarded as one of the most important timepiece collections in the United States. H.J. Heinz donated the collection to Carnegie Museum of Natural History in 1917.

Arresting Arrangements - Photos by Craig Cutler
Extended through Fall 2008
Entrance Gallery, First Floor

This exhibit features 20 large-scale photos by New York photographer Craig Cutler. Craig documented the remounting of Carnegie Museum of Natural History dinosaurs last year at Phil Fraley Productions. Craig’s photos capture the curious juxtaposition of dinosaur parts and human intervention as still life. Many of the photos include the rigging apparatuses for staging and re-posturing the multitude of fragile fossil parts.

Free Family Activities

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

Natural History Summer Camps 2008
June – August - click on a camp location for more information:

Camp Earth 2008: Wild About Dinosaurs!
June 9 - August 15
Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh
Camp Earth is back for 2008 and packed with more hands-on adventures than ever! Advanced Museum Investigator camps for ages 10–12 and special dino-camps designed to complement Dinosaurs in Their Time are just two highlights of this summer’s wild adventures!

2008 Summer Programs for Children
June 16 - August 1
Powdermill Nature Reserve in Rector, PA
The summer programs offer exciting days of outdoor environmental discovery on Powdermill's 2200 acres of forest streams, ponds, and meadows.

In Harmony with Nature II: Photos by Donald M. Robinson
Through September 14, 2008
R.P. Simmons Family Gallery

In Harmony with Nature II: Photos by Donald M. Robinson is a celebration of the works of a nationally acclaimed photographer. For more than 50 years, Don Robinson has explored landscapes, wildlife, and the human condition. From the dawn of nature’s beauty to the last frontiers on Earth, these pictorial essays extend beyond documentation; the collection is a novel of personal experiences and expressions of the universe and all its glory. This vast collection is on loan to Carnegie Museum of Natural History from the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art.

Time Machines: Watches from the H.J. Heinz Collection
Extended through Fall 2008
Wertz Gallery, Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems

Pittsburgh ketchup and sauce magnate H.J. Heinz (1844-1919) amassed an extensive collection of timepieces during his lifetime. These chronometers offer an array of incredible artistry and amazing mechanical ingenuity.

Through this collection, it is possible to study the evolution of watches as machines, tracing the steps in development from portable sundial to more modern sophisticated mechanical watches. Examples include a gold mechanical “repeating watch” with figures that strike the hour; a watch owned by Lord Nelson, the hero of the Battle of Trafalgar; and a music box watch with a feathered singing bird.

The Heinz Collection is regarded as one of the most important timepiece collections in the United States. H.J. Heinz donated the collection to Carnegie Museum of Natural History in 1917.

Food for Thought
Saturday, July 19
Program: 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Satellite call: 2:15 p.m.

Ever wonder how conditions are changing in the Arctic? Or what tools scientists use in polar research? Then join Dr. Mary-Louise Timmermans of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) at Carnegie Museum of Natural History for a stimulating introduction to polar oceanography. Includes lunch; participants are invited to join a live, public satellite call with WHOI scientists in Greenland after the program.

Members: $20
Non-members: $25

Pre-registration is required. Call (412) 622-3288 to register.

Insects, Ink & Inklings: Illustrations by Jane Hyland
Through November 1, 2008
3rd Floor Exhibits Foyer

Jane Hyland, scientific preparator and illustrator for Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s Section of Invertebrate Zoology, will be exhibiting her most recent artwork examining the complex and fascinating anatomy of moths.

In addition to these works, moth specimens from the collection will be on display in five wall-mounted insect cases which will juxtapose Hyland’s scientific illustrations with the research moth specimens, which were collected from many parts of the world.

Powdermill Butterfly Count
July 19
9:30 AM-2:30 PM

The count program is intended to promote interest in butterflies and provide scientific results for the monitoring of this beautiful and fascinating group of insects.

Free to the public. Wear long pants and outdoor shoes, and bring a lunch.

– Click here to see the 2008 flyer (PDF, 87 Kb)
– Click here for the 2006 results (PDF, 8 Kb)
– Call 724-593-6105 for more information
If you don't have Acrobat Reader, click here for the free download

Teacher Workshop
Using Data and Models to Investigate the Poles
Friday, July 18
11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Climate change—it shapes our public policy and is even included in the PSSA. Much of the related research is focused on polar regions, but have you ever wondered why or how you can use it in your classroom? Then join Dr. Mary-Louise Timmermans of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and Kerry Handron of Carnegie Museum of Natural History for an introduction to polar oceanography and a demonstration of MY NASA DATA as an educational tool.

The day will conclude with a public, live satellite call with WHOI scientists on an expedition in Greenland.

Free! Participating teachers will earn three Act 48 Hours and will receive a voucher for $5 parking.

Pre-registration is required—call (412) 622-3288.

(Image: Sarah Das, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)

Exploring the Arctic Seafloor: Photographs by Chris Linder
August 9, 2008 – January 25, 2009

Embark on an expedition to the bottom of an ice-covered ocean – thirty photographs and other media take you on an icebreaking ship through the frozen Arctic world, and give you a first-ever look at mysterious undersea mountains near the North Pole.

Deep beneath Arctic ice and miles of sunless water lie what are arguably the remotest places on earth: awe-inspiring ranges of unexplored volcanic mountains more foreign than the surface of Mars. Color photographs, a sample of rock from the ocean floor, a computer kiosk, and a 3-D model of underwater mountains portray this expedition’s quest, its exploratory equipment, and the extraordinary work of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution scientists.

Free Family Activities

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

Time Machines: Watches from the H.J. Heinz Collection
Extended through Fall 2008
Wertz Gallery, Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems

Pittsburgh ketchup and sauce magnate H.J. Heinz (1844-1919) amassed an extensive collection of timepieces during his lifetime. These chronometers offer an array of incredible artistry and amazing mechanical ingenuity.

Through this collection, it is possible to study the evolution of watches as machines, tracing the steps in development from portable sundial to more modern sophisticated mechanical watches. Examples include a gold mechanical “repeating watch” with figures that strike the hour; a watch owned by Lord Nelson, the hero of the Battle of Trafalgar; and a music box watch with a feathered singing bird.

The Heinz Collection is regarded as one of the most important timepiece collections in the United States. H.J. Heinz donated the collection to Carnegie Museum of Natural History in 1917.

Dinosaur Birthday Parties
Select weekends
Ages 4 and up

Dinosaur Birthday Parties at Carnegie Museum of Natural History include a variety of special dinosaur activities and supplies for up to 24 guests. Parties include cake, ice cream, an interactive dino-talk led by museum staff, a casting activity, a guided exploration of Dinosaurs in Their Time, and much more! For more information, visit the Birthday Party Web site.

Insects, Ink & Inklings: Illustrations by Jane Hyland
Through November 1, 2008
3rd Floor Exhibits Foyer

Jane Hyland, scientific preparator and illustrator for Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s Section of Invertebrate Zoology, will be exhibiting her most recent artwork examining the complex and fascinating anatomy of moths.

In addition to these works, moth specimens from the collection will be on display in five wall-mounted insect cases which will juxtapose Hyland’s scientific illustrations with the research moth specimens, which were collected from many parts of the world.

Arresting Arrangements - Photos by Craig Cutler
Extended through Fall 2008
Entrance Gallery, First Floor

This exhibit features 20 large-scale photos by New York photographer Craig Cutler. Craig documented the remounting of Carnegie Museum of Natural History dinosaurs last year at Phil Fraley Productions. Craig’s photos capture the curious juxtaposition of dinosaur parts and human intervention as still life. Many of the photos include the rigging apparatuses for staging and re-posturing the multitude of fragile fossil parts.

Natural History Summer Camps 2008
June – August - click on a camp location for more information:

Camp Earth 2008: Wild About Dinosaurs!
June 9 - August 15
Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh
Camp Earth is back for 2008 and packed with more hands-on adventures than ever! Advanced Museum Investigator camps for ages 10–12 and special dino-camps designed to complement Dinosaurs in Their Time are just two highlights of this summer’s wild adventures!

2008 Summer Programs for Children
June 16 - August 1
Powdermill Nature Reserve in Rector, PA
The summer programs offer exciting days of outdoor environmental discovery on Powdermill's 2200 acres of forest streams, ponds, and meadows.

In Harmony with Nature II: Photos by Donald M. Robinson
Through September 14, 2008
R.P. Simmons Family Gallery

In Harmony with Nature II: Photos by Donald M. Robinson is a celebration of the works of a nationally acclaimed photographer. For more than 50 years, Don Robinson has explored landscapes, wildlife, and the human condition. From the dawn of nature’s beauty to the last frontiers on Earth, these pictorial essays extend beyond documentation; the collection is a novel of personal experiences and expressions of the universe and all its glory. This vast collection is on loan to Carnegie Museum of Natural History from the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art.

In Harmony with Nature II: Photos by Donald M. Robinson
Last Day: September 14, 2008
R.P. Simmons Family Gallery

In Harmony with Nature II: Photos by Donald M. Robinson is a celebration of the works of a nationally acclaimed photographer. For more than 50 years, Don Robinson has explored landscapes, wildlife, and the human condition. From the dawn of nature’s beauty to the last frontiers on Earth, these pictorial essays extend beyond documentation; the collection is a novel of personal experiences and expressions of the universe and all its glory. This vast collection is on loan to Carnegie Museum of Natural History from the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art.

Dinosaur Birthday Parties
Select weekends
Ages 4 and up

Dinosaur Birthday Parties at Carnegie Museum of Natural History include a variety of special dinosaur activities and supplies for up to 24 guests. Parties include cake, ice cream, an interactive dino-talk led by museum staff, a casting activity, a guided exploration of Dinosaurs in Their Time, and much more! For more information, visit the Birthday Party Web site.

Insects, Ink & Inklings: Illustrations by Jane Hyland
Through November 1, 2008
3rd Floor Exhibits Foyer

Jane Hyland, scientific preparator and illustrator for Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s Section of Invertebrate Zoology, will be exhibiting her most recent artwork examining the complex and fascinating anatomy of moths.

In addition to these works, moth specimens from the collection will be on display in five wall-mounted insect cases which will juxtapose Hyland’s scientific illustrations with the research moth specimens, which were collected from many parts of the world.

Arresting Arrangements - Photos by Craig Cutler
Extended through Fall 2008
Entrance Gallery, First Floor

This exhibit features 20 large-scale photos by New York photographer Craig Cutler. Craig documented the remounting of Carnegie Museum of Natural History dinosaurs last year at Phil Fraley Productions. Craig’s photos capture the curious juxtaposition of dinosaur parts and human intervention as still life. Many of the photos include the rigging apparatuses for staging and re-posturing the multitude of fragile fossil parts.

Time Machines: Watches from the H.J. Heinz Collection
Extended through Fall 2008
Wertz Gallery, Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems

Pittsburgh ketchup and sauce magnate H.J. Heinz (1844-1919) amassed an extensive collection of timepieces during his lifetime. These chronometers offer an array of incredible artistry and amazing mechanical ingenuity.

Through this collection, it is possible to study the evolution of watches as machines, tracing the steps in development from portable sundial to more modern sophisticated mechanical watches. Examples include a gold mechanical “repeating watch” with figures that strike the hour; a watch owned by Lord Nelson, the hero of the Battle of Trafalgar; and a music box watch with a feathered singing bird.

The Heinz Collection is regarded as one of the most important timepiece collections in the United States. H.J. Heinz donated the collection to Carnegie Museum of Natural History in 1917.