July | August | September | October

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

Open Friday, July 3: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Closed Saturday, July 4 (Independence Day)
Open Sunday, July 5: 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
Open Monday, July 6: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Summer Mondays begin: open Mondays after July 4th and up to but not including Labor Day)

DoublExposure
Through September 13, 2009
Third Floor Alcove

Global warming is affecting our planet in countless ways, not in some remote future, but today. DoublExposure documents one aspect of the warming climate through fine-art photography that brings the viewer into panoramas of glaciers once grand but now receding. Photos of glaciers taken many years ago are displayed next to recent photos of the same glaciers, demonstrating the visual impact of the melting ice.

Learn more about the exhibit by visiting the official Web site: http://www.doublexposure.net

Photo: Bradford Washburn/David Arnold

The Horse
Last Day: July 5, 2009
R.P. Simmons Gallery, Third Floor

For tens of thousands of years, humans have had an amazing and enduring relationship with the horse. We have preyed upon them, worshipped them, domesticated them, and shaped them into “animated machinery.” In turn, the horse has helped shape human cultures, revolutionizing the way we worked, waged war, traveled, engaged in sports, and soothed our souls.

From paleontology to anthropology, worship to warfare, evolutionary biology to equestrianism, and genetics to biomechanics, the American Museum of Natural History’s new exhibition Horse is a complex and fascinating story that will truly show audiences the spectacular depths of our relationship with this majestic animal, enthralling and delighting visitors of all ages. Carnegie Museum of Natural History Anthropologist Dr. Sandra Olsen was a lead curator of the exhibit.

The Horse is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (www.amnh.org) in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Authority for Cultural & Heritage; Canadian Museum of Civilization, Gatineau-Ottawa; The Field Museum, Chicago; and San Diego Natural History Museum.

Sponsored locally by Richard King Mellon Foundation and by

Allegheny Highlands Botanical Art Society Exhibition
Through August 2, 2009
Powdermill Nature Reserve, Rector, PA

On view are 20 botanical works, beautifully combining art and science, from 8 Allegheny Highlands Botanical Art Society members. A chapter of the American Society of Botanical Artists, the Allegheny Highlands Society seeks to educate the public on plant diversity, native plant ecology, and conservation through the exhibition of botanical art. Click here to plan your visit to Powdermill Nature Reserve.

Image: Sycamore with seed pod, Mark A. Klingler

Art for Nature’s Sake: Duck Stamps and Wetland Conservation
Through August 30, 2009
Powdermill Nature Reserve, Rector, PA

Art for Nature's Sake commemorates the 75th anniversary of one of the country's most successful conservation programs—the Federal Duck Stamp Program. On view will be 36 signed waterfowl prints and accompanying US postal stamps, created by noted nature artists like Maynard Reece, the Hautman brothers, John Ruthven, Nancy Howe, Adam Grimm and many others. Included in the exhibition is the first installment of stamps issued by the government in 1934, featuring mallards, and the 75th anniversary commemorative stamp, featuring pintails (pictured, by Joseph Hautman).

Click here to plan your visit to Powdermill Nature Reserve.

Polar Weekend
July 10-12
Free with Museum admission

Visitors to Carnegie Museum of Natural History can escape from the summer heat and visit the Polar Regions of the world. Guests can learn, and see first-hand, how global climate change is affecting these areas— particularly glaciers—and what this means for them. In addition to special weekend events, visitors are encouraged to explore the museum’s permanent exhibitions to learn more about life in the Arctic and the research Carnegie Museum of Natural History scientists have done in this region!

Scheduled events:

- Phone conversation with The Polaris Project
Saturday & Sunday, 2 p.m., Earth Theater

Visitors talk with scientists and students in the Siberian Arctic as they study global climate change and discover the diverse and fascinating cultures of Siberia.

- OPENING WEEKEND! Earth Theater Show: Ice Worlds
Saturday 11 a.m., 12, 2:30, 3, 3:30, 4 p.m.
Sunday, 1, 2, 3, 4 p.m.

Throughout the solar system, planets are shaped and transformed by ice—a process we can also observe right here on Earth. From the icy moons of the outer planets to the recent Phoenix landing on Mars, Ice Worlds immerses audiences in each ice-shaped landscape to show how ice behaves on very different worlds, and explores our dynamic planet and its ever-changing climate.

Ice Worlds features new research conducted as part of the fourth International Polar Year, a large scientific program coordinating over 200 projects, conducted by thousands of scientists from over 60 nations, focusing on the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

- Teen Docents and Family Activities
Saturday and Sunday 1-3pm

- DOUBLEXPOSURE: Photographing Global Climate Change
June 15–September 13, 2009
Third Floor Alcove

- Permanent Exhibit Halls highlighting Arctic wildlife and research, including Polar World, Needle to the North, Bird Hall, and Hall of North American Wildlife

Polar Weekend Public Talk
Greenland's Changing Glaciers: Perspectives from the Ice
July 11th, 1:00 p.m.
Earth Theater

Working in Greenland over the last decade has allowed Mark Fahnestock of the University of New Hampshire to watch the huge glaciers draining the Greenland Ice Sheet respond to warming in the Arctic. His field work has concentrated on Jakobshavns Isbrae on Greenland's west coast, one of the world's fastest glaciers. This glacier doubled its speed in the early part of this decade, and now puts 40 billion tons of ice into the ocean annually. Using time lapse photography and imagery from satellites, Fahnestock will illustrate how scientists are working to understand the role that the large ice sheets play in the climate system, and why scientists are concerned with the changes they are observing at high latitudes. Sponsored by the University of New Hampshire and Ice Planet Earth with support from the National Science Foundation

Free with Museum admission

Insects, Ink & Inklings: Illustrations by Jane Hyland
Extended through Fall 2009
Third 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 Adult Natural History Courses
Through September

Powdermill Nature Reserve was established in 1956 and is Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s research station and nature education center. Visitors of all ages come to gain a greater knowledge about the natural world through innovative and exciting educational programs and exhibits.

In this new educational series, Museum scientists and naturalists lead courses exploring wildlife and plant communities at Powdermill Nature Reserve. Field studies using advanced research techniques will be supplemented with relevant in-the-field lectures, and scientific literature will be provided to each participant prior to each course. Click here to visit the Adult Programs page.

Summer Camps 2009

Camp Earth 2009
Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh
Conduct "weird science" experiments! Solve the Carnegie Capers! Shake things up on this dino-mite planet!

Click here to visit the Camp Earth Web site

2009 Summer Programs for Children
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.

Click here to visit the Powdermill Summer Programs Web page

Family Overnighter
July 25-26
Wildlife of the Laurel Highlands
Powdermill Nature Reserve, Rector, PA

Come spend the night at Powdermill Nature Reserve! Families will explore the wildlife and habitats of the Laurel Highlands with Carnegie scientists and naturalists. Start your day at the bird-banding station and learn the technique of mist-netting and banding wild birds. Then, search for salamanders and snakes, and live-trap and tag small mammals—mice, shrews, opossums, or maybe even skunks! In our grasslands and butterfly garden, explore butterflies and an amazing diversity of moths. After a campfire and barbecue, observe bats and flying squirrels, and call owls! Campers will wake to our lovely dawn chorus and enjoy a hearty breakfast before they are free to explore other area attractions.

$80 per adult, $50 per child 12 and under; includes all meals and stay in cabins. Call 724.593.6105 for reservations. Click here for directions to Powdermill Nature Reserve.

Time Machines: Watches from the H.J. Heinz Collection
Extended through Fall 2009
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.

DoublExposure
Through September 13, 2009
Third Floor Alcove

Global warming is affecting our planet in countless ways, not in some remote future, but today. DoublExposure documents one aspect of the warming climate through fine-art photography that brings the viewer into panoramas of glaciers once grand but now receding. Photos of glaciers taken many years ago are displayed next to recent photos of the same glaciers, demonstrating the visual impact of the melting ice.

Learn more about the exhibit by visiting the official Web site: http://www.doublexposure.net

Photo: Bradford Washburn/David Arnold

Powdermill Nature Reserve was established in 1956 and is Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s research station and nature education center. Visitors of all ages come to gain a greater knowledge about the natural world through innovative and exciting educational programs and exhibits.

In this new educational series, Museum scientists and naturalists lead courses exploring wildlife and plant communities at Powdermill Nature Reserve. Field studies using advanced research techniques will be supplemented with relevant in-the-field lectures, and scientific literature will be provided to each participant prior to each course. Click here to visit the Adult Programs page.

Free Family Activities

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

Allegheny Highlands Botanical Art Society Exhibition
June 12 – August 2, 2009
Powdermill Nature Reserve, Rector, PA

On view are 20 botanical works, beautifully combining art and science, from 8 Allegheny Highlands Botanical Art Society members. A chapter of the American Society of Botanical Artists, the Allegheny Highlands Society seeks to educate the public on plant diversity, native plant ecology, and conservation through the exhibition of botanical art. Click here to plan your visit to Powdermill Nature Reserve.

Image: Sycamore with seed pod, Mark A. Klingler

Summer Camps 2009
June – August

Camp Earth 2009
Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh
Conduct "weird science" experiments! Solve the Carnegie Capers! Shake things up on this dino-mite planet!

Click here to visit the Camp Earth Web site

2009 Summer Programs for Children
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.

Click here to visit the Powdermill Summer Programs Web page

Art for Nature’s Sake: Duck Stamps and Wetland Conservation
June 20 – August 30, 2009
Powdermill Nature Reserve, Rector, PA

Art for Nature's Sake commemorates the 75th anniversary of one of the country's most successful conservation programs—the Federal Duck Stamp Program. On view will be 36 signed waterfowl prints and accompanying US postal stamps, created by noted nature artists like Maynard Reece, the Hautman brothers, John Ruthven, Nancy Howe, Adam Grimm and many others. Included in the exhibition is the first installment of stamps issued by the government in 1934, featuring mallards, and the 75th anniversary commemorative stamp, featuring pintails (pictured, by Joseph Hautman).

Click here to plan your visit to Powdermill Nature Reserve.

Time Machines: Watches from the H.J. Heinz Collection
Extended through Fall 2009
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.

Family Overnighter
August 15-16
Wildlife of the Laurel Highlands
Powdermill Nature Reserve, Rector, PA

Come spend the night at Powdermill Nature Reserve! Families will explore the wildlife and habitats of the Laurel Highlands with Carnegie scientists and naturalists. Start your day at the bird-banding station and learn the technique of mist-netting and banding wild birds. Then, search for salamanders and snakes, and live-trap and tag small mammals—mice, shrews, opossums, or maybe even skunks! In our grasslands and butterfly garden, explore butterflies and an amazing diversity of moths. After a campfire and barbecue, observe bats and flying squirrels, and call owls! Campers will wake to our lovely dawn chorus and enjoy a hearty breakfast before they are free to explore other area attractions.

$80 per adult, $50 per child 12 and under; includes all meals and stay in cabins. Call 724.593.6105 for reservations. Click here for directions to Powdermill Nature Reserve.

Insects, Ink & Inklings: Illustrations by Jane Hyland
Extended through Fall 2009
Third 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.

DoublExposure
Last Day: September 13, 2009
Third Floor Alcove

Global warming is affecting our planet in countless ways, not in some remote future, but today. DoublExposure documents one aspect of the warming climate through fine-art photography that brings the viewer into panoramas of glaciers once grand but now receding. Photos of glaciers taken many years ago are displayed next to recent photos of the same glaciers, demonstrating the visual impact of the melting ice.

Learn more about the exhibit by visiting the official Web site: http://www.doublexposure.net

Photo: Bradford Washburn/David Arnold

Powdermill Nature Reserve was established in 1956 and is Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s research station and nature education center. Visitors of all ages come to gain a greater knowledge about the natural world through innovative and exciting educational programs and exhibits.

In this new educational series, Museum scientists and naturalists lead courses exploring wildlife and plant communities at Powdermill Nature Reserve. Field studies using advanced research techniques will be supplemented with relevant in-the-field lectures, and scientific literature will be provided to each participant prior to each course. Click here to visit the Adult Programs page.

Insects, Ink & Inklings: Illustrations by Jane Hyland
Extended through Fall 2009
Third 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.

Creative Workshop at Powdermill Nature Reserve:
How to Prepare a Field Notebook with Ann Payne
September 26

Powdermill Nature Reserve will be offering a series of workshops throughout the year to inspire the artist in you. These workshops are for everyone at any skill level. All classes will include a guided trail walk around the reserve to study nature first hand. You will be amazed at how much more you will see and learn when you look through the eyes of an artist or the lens of a camera.

For more information, call 724-593-6105. Click here for a printable version of the Creative Workshop schedule and artist bios (Adobe Acrobat PDF)

Click here for directions to Powdermill Nature Reserve.

Time Machines: Watches from the H.J. Heinz Collection
Extended through Fall 2009
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.

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

Whales | Tohorā
October 31, 2009 – May 2, 2010
R.P. Simmons Gallery, Third Floor

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

Whales | Tohorā is a traveling exhibit created by Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum. "Tohorā" is the Māori word for "whale;" the Māori are the indigenous people of New Zealand.

Whales | Tohorā presents stories from conservationists, scientists, whalers, and even whale riders. There is an animated film of the legendary Pacific islander Tinirau and his pet whale – a story of treachery and revenge. There are tales of extraordinary encounters with whales, and of whale strandings.

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 (18 meters) long 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.

Free Family Activities

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