Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Family Nature Hike
2025-04-05 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
When: April 5, 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Where: Powdermill Nature Reserve
Tickets: Free
Join us as we hit the trails for a guided nature walk! We’ll meet in the atrium of the Powdermill Nature Center at 2 pm before heading outside to explore. This family-friendly experience is open to participants of all ages.
Events fill up fast! Registration is recommended to guarantee your spot and help us plan timing, seating, and/or trail routes. If there are spots available at the time of the program, non-registered individuals can join on a first-come, first-served basis.
Powdermill Nature Reserve is located at 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA 15677.

Museum Highlight Tours
2025-04-12 12:30 - 13:00 | At the Museum, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213-4007, United States
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 12:30–1:00 p.m.
Where: Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Tickets: Free with Museum Admission
Join museum experts for free public tours! See highlights of Dinosaurs in Their Time, learn fun facts, and have your burning questions answered. Tours meet at the entrance of Dinosaurs in Their Time.
Buy your tickets in advance!

Dismantling the Diorama: A Model for Tracing the Origins of Unidentified Human Remains
2025-04-14 12:00 - 13:00 | Hybrid: Online and At the Museum
Dismantling the Diorama: A Model for Tracing the Origins of Unidentified Human Remains
Monday, April 14, 2025, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Earth Theater and online via Zoom
Featuring Dr. Aja Lans, Johns Hopkins University
This lecture is free. Museum admission is not required.
Learn about scientific discoveries directly from the experts in the field. Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s scientific research staff and invited speakers discuss their latest findings on numerous scientific topics at the R.W. Moriarty Science Seminar series.
Click here to register to attend virtually via Zoom. Registration is not necessary to attend in person. Museum admission is not included with the lecture. Visitor Services staff can direct you to Earth Theater on arrival.

Abstract
Lion Attacking a Dromedary has at different places and times varied in name, appearance, and meaning, and has arguably been many different things. Is this diorama a work of art, a historical representation, an artifact, or something in between? The (re)discovery of a human skull contained within its inaccurate depiction of a North African person raises concerns about the ongoing objectification of people of African origin and/or descent, as well as the spectacularization of violence against members of the African diaspora. This talk explores the creation of Lion Attacking a Dromedary and the itinerary of the skull contained within, emphasizing ties to ongoing racial injustices throughout the colonized world. The history of the diorama demonstrates why human remains contained within museum collections need to be re-evaluated and considered for repatriation efforts. In conclusion, archival research combined with stable isotope analyses of teeth provide clues to the skull’s origin.

Biography
Aja Lans is an assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology and Center for Africana Studies at Johns Hopkins University. Her research integrates Black feminism and critical race theory into bioarchaeological investigations. A major area of focus is the objectification of human remains contained within universities and museum collections. She argues for the repatriation of Black Ancestors who are “owned” by such institutions. Outside of the academy, she consults on cultural resource management projects in New York City.

Teen Night - Uprooted: Plants Out of Place
2025-04-17 17:00 - 20:00 | At the Museum, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213-4007, United States

Powdermill Avian Research Center Guided Tour
2025-04-18 08:00 - 09:30 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
When: Friday, April 18, 8:00–9:30 a.m.
Where: Powdermill Nature Reserve
Tickets: Free
Enjoy a free guided tour of the bird banding lab and research facility including the flight tunnel. Visit the bird banding lab and see up-close how researchers safely capture and band birds and learn about the data they gather. Learn about how we’re studying avian perception of glass to provide glass manufacturers and building designers with important information that will help reduce bird-window collisions. This event takes place in an area typically closed to the public—don’t miss it!
Guests must pre-register for the tour and arrive at Powdermill Avian Research Center by 8:00 a.m. The tour is 1.5 hours long.
Tour full? Join us on Friday, May 9! Register here so you don’t miss it!
Sign-up Today!

Powdermill Avian Research Center Open House
2025-04-26 08:00 - 11:00 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
When: Saturday, April 26, 8:00–11:00 a.m.
Where: Powdermill Nature Reserve
Tickets: Free
Join us for an open house at the Powdermill Avian Research Center (PARC)! Although PARC is operational year-round, it is typically closed to the public. Stop by the open house to get a behind the scenes look at our scientists’ work. See the bird banding processes up close, learn about how we catch them, find out what data is recorded, and more. Advance registration is recommended for this free event.
Register Today!

Sensory Friendly Weekend
2025-05-03 10:00 - 17:00 | At the Museum, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213-4007, United States
When: Saturday, May 3, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 4, 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Where: Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Tickets: Free with Museum Admission
Families with members who have sensory processing needs are invited to explore the museum galleries with reduced audio and visual elements. Calming spaces with support materials, including single-use ear plugs, sunglasses, fidget toys, etc., will be available. Museum experts will be on-hand to talk for as little or as long as you want about favorite topics like dinosaurs, rocks, gems, animals, bugs, and much more. Every program is designed to welcome all ages and abilities.
Standard sensory friendly supports are in place during regular hours for all Carnegie Museum of Natural History visitors:
• Lower lighting in select galleries
• Video sounds and exhibit background audio turned off in select galleries
• Calming spaces
• Takeaway support materials (single-use ear plugs, sunglasses, fidget toys, etc.)
To provide the most sensory friendly environment possible, advance registration is recommended. Pre-registration is available online until 3:00 p.m. on the day prior to the program. All customers who pre-register will receive a welcome packet via e-mail with detailed information about the event.
Register for May 3

Register for May 4

Family Nature Hike
2025-05-03 14:00 - 15:00 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
When: May 3, 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Where: Powdermill Nature Reserve
Tickets: Free
Join us as we hit the trails for a guided nature walk! We’ll meet in the atrium of the Powdermill Nature Center before heading outside to explore. This family-friendly experience is open to participants of all ages.
Events fill up fast! Registration is recommended to guarantee your spot and help us plan timing, seating, and/or trail routes. If there are spots available at the time of the program, non-registered individuals can join on a first-come, first-served basis.
Powdermill Nature Reserve is located at 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA 15677.
Register Today!

Sensory Friendly Weekend
2025-05-04 12:00 - 17:00 | At the Museum, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213-4007, United States
When: Saturday, May 4, 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Where: Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Tickets: Free with Museum Admission
Families with members who have sensory processing needs are invited to explore the museum galleries with reduced audio and visual elements. Calming spaces with support materials, including single-use ear plugs, sunglasses, fidget toys, etc., will be available. Museum experts will be on-hand to talk for as little or as long as you want about favorite topics like dinosaurs, rocks, gems, animals, bugs, and much more. Every program is designed to welcome all ages and abilities.
Standard sensory friendly supports are in place during regular hours for all Carnegie Museum of Natural History visitors:
• Lower lighting in select galleries
• Video sounds and exhibit background audio turned off in select galleries
• Calming spaces
• Takeaway support materials (single-use ear plugs, sunglasses, fidget toys, etc.)
To provide the most sensory friendly environment possible, advance registration is recommended. Pre-registration is available online until 3:00 p.m. on the day prior to the program. All customers who pre-register will receive a welcome packet via e-mail with detailed information about the event.
Register for May 4

Powdermill Avian Research Center Guided Tour
2025-05-09 08:00 - 09:30 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
When: Friday, May 9, 8:00–9:30 a.m.
Where: Powdermill Nature Reserve
Tickets: Free
Enjoy a free guided tour of the bird banding lab and research facility including the flight tunnel. Visit the bird banding lab and see up-close how researchers safely capture and band birds and learn about the data they gather. Learn about how we’re studying avian perception of glass to provide glass manufacturers and building designers with important information that will help reduce bird-window collisions. This event takes place in an area typically closed to the public—don’t miss it!
Guests must pre-register for the tour and arrive at Powdermill Avian Research Center by 8:00 a.m. The tour is 1.5 hours long.
Register today!

Spring Road Cleanup
2025-05-10 09:00 - 12:00 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
When: Saturday, May 10, 9:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m.
Where: Powdermill Nature Reserve
Tickets: Free
Spring is here, which means it is time for our biannual road clean up! Please consider joining the Powdermill staff for a morning of comradery and cleaning as we pick up the trash along State Route 381. We will start at the Blair Brothers Railroad Trailhead and work our way north. Trash bags, gloves, and visibility vest will be provided. Please wear sturdy shoes that can handle a little bit of mud!
Register Today!

Moriarty Science Seminar: Michigan Land Snail Distribution Influenced by Past Glaciers
2025-05-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Hybrid: Online and At the Museum
Rolling in the Isles: Michigan Land Snail Distribution Influenced by Past Glaciers
Featuring Tim Pearce, Carnegie Museum of Natural History
When: Monday, May 12, 2025, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Where: Earth Theater and online via Zoom
Tickets: This lecture is free. Museum admission is not required.
Learn about scientific discoveries directly from the experts in the field. Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s scientific research staff and invited speakers discuss their latest findings on numerous scientific topics at the R.W. Moriarty Science Seminar series.
Click here to register to attend virtually via Zoom. Registration is not necessary to attend in person. Museum admission is not included with the lecture. Visitor Services staff can direct you to Earth Theater on arrival.
Abstract
Does past glacial history influence modern species distributions?
During field work on islands in northern Lake Michigan, Dr. Tim Pearce found that snails were more similar to those in the Upper Peninsula than they were to the nearby adjacent Lower Peninsula. He initially wondered if this pattern could be explained by currently operating ecological principles such as predation or microhabitat. Applying my training in paleontology, he then wondered if past events could have influenced modern distributions.
To study the glacier hypotheses, he compared occurrences of the four largest and best studied land snail species in three areas: the (1) Upper and (2) Lower Peninsulas and (3) the 13 islands adjacent to the Lower Peninsula. This comparison showed that all four species occur only on the Lower Peninsula but two of them occur in all three areas, with minor exceptions.
The two species that occur in all three areas appear to be more cold-adapted. In contrast, the two species restricted to just the Lower Peninsula are consistent with warm-adaptation.
This talk examines whether smaller snails show the same distribution patterns as these larger snails. Are smaller cold-adapted species more ubiquitous while smaller warm-adapted species are more confined to the Lower Peninsula?
The current distributions of land snails are consistent with a glacial history scenario where 11,500 years ago, a glacier covered the area and eliminated the land snails. Then 9,500 years ago, the glacial retreat exposed a land bridge from the mainland to the proto-islands. Then with more climate warming, cold-adapted snails dispersed northwards on the heels of the glacier and crawled to the proto-islands. Subsequent lake level rise isolated the islands from the mainland, so when the warm-adapted snails migrated into the Lower Peninsula, their island vacations were stymied.
About Dr. Pearce
Timothy Pearce is Assistant Curator of Mollusks at Carnegie Museum of Natural History, where he conducts research on land snails and cares for and promotes use of the huge research collection of snails and clams (1.4 million specimens). His MS in snail paleontology and his PhD in snail ecology give him a valuable perspective on how time has affected the makeup of modern snail communities.
Pearce received his PhD (1994) and MS (1991) in biology from the University of Michigan. His post-doctoral work at SUNY–Stony Brook from 1995–1996 focused on Madagascar’s land snails. He received his MA in paleontology from the University of California–Berkeley in 1988 and his BS in marine biology from Evergreen State College in 1979.
Prior to his appointment at Carnegie Museum of Natural History in 2002, he was Assistant Curator of Mollusks at the Delaware Museum of Natural History from 1997–2001.
Pearce’s research focuses on ecology and systematics of mollusks, especially terrestrial snails and slugs in the northeastern United States. He also pursues the biogeography of land snails on islands in the Great Lakes, distribution and ecology of land snails on California islands, and systematics of North American land snails.
Pearce has published more than 55 peer-reviewed scientific papers on mollusks. He has been known to tell snail jokes.

Powdermill Avian Research Center Open House
2025-05-17 08:00 - 11:00 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
When: Saturday, May 17, 8:00–11:00 a.m.
Where: Powdermill Nature Reserve
Tickets: Free
Join us for an open house at the Powdermill Avian Research Center (PARC)! Although PARC is operational year-round, it is typically closed to the public. Stop by the open house to get a behind the scenes look at our scientists’ work. See the bird banding processes up close, learn about how we catch them, find out what data is recorded, and more. Advance registration is recommended for this free event.
Register today!

Sensory Friendly Weekend
2025-06-07 10:00 - 17:00 | At the Museum, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213-4007, United States
When: Saturday, June 7, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. and Sunday, June 8, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Where: Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Tickets: Free with Museum Admission
Families with members who have sensory processing needs are invited to explore the museum galleries with reduced audio and visual elements. Calming spaces with support materials, including single-use ear plugs, sunglasses, fidget toys, etc., will be available. Museum experts will be on-hand to talk for as little or as long as you want about favorite topics like dinosaurs, rocks, gems, animals, bugs, and much more. Every program is designed to welcome all ages and abilities.
Standard sensory friendly supports are in place during regular hours for all Carnegie Museum of Natural History visitors:
• Lower lighting in select galleries
• Video sounds and exhibit background audio turned off in select galleries
• Calming spaces
• Takeaway support materials (single-use ear plugs, sunglasses, fidget toys, etc.)
To provide the most sensory friendly environment possible, advance registration is recommended. Pre-registration is available online until 3:00 p.m. on the day prior to the program. All customers who pre-register will receive a welcome packet via e-mail with detailed information about the event.
Register for June 7th!

Register for June 8th!

Family Nature Hike
2025-06-07 14:00 - 15:00 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
When: Saturday, June 7, 2025, 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Where: Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA 15677
Tickets: Free
Join us as we hit the trails for a guided nature walk! We’ll meet in the atrium of the Powdermill Nature Center before heading outside to explore. This family-friendly experience is open to participants of all ages.
Events fill up fast! Registration is recommended to guarantee your spot and help us plan timing, seating, and/or trail routes. If there are spots available at the time of the program, non-registered individuals can join on a first-come, first-served basis.
Register today!

Join us for another Family Nature Hike!
Upcoming dates:
Saturday, July 5, 2025, 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 2, 2025, 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 6, 2025, 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.

DinoFest
2025-06-14 10:00 - 17:00 | At the Museum, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213-4007, United States
When: Saturday, June 14, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Where: Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Tickets: Free with Museum Admission. Advance Registration Strongly Recommended.
Join Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s researchers, educators, and community partners for DinoFest! Browse the full schedule below and plan your day. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fossil fun or a deep dive into new discoveries in the field of paleontology, there’s programming for dinosaur lovers of all ages.
DinoFest Schedule
Family-Friendly Activities: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., drop-in any time
Enjoy hands-on activities throughout Kamin Hall of Dinosaurs, Discovery Basecamp, and the Foster Overlook that explore how dinosaurs lived and how paleontologists work in the field. Whether you want to stomp like a dinosaur across the room, sit and sketch dinosaur skeletons, or speak with an expert about identifying and storing fossils, there is something for everyone.
Activities are designed for kids ages 5-12 and their families; they include:
• Identifying fossils as a dinosaur detective.
• Measuring Dippy, our beloved Diplodocus carnegii, from the snout to the tip of the tail.
• Turning classic yoga poses into paleo-themed movements during Dino Yoga.
• Learning how to make fossil rubbings.
• Creating your own coloring page inspired by dinosaur fossils.
• Exploring the journey of how birds evolved from their dinosaur ancestors.
Conversations with Researchers: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., drop-in any time
Meet and chat with paleontologists and other researchers about a variety of topics including fossil fish, dinosaur robotics, and Antarctic fossil vertebrates.
Expert Talks:
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Dr. Sarah Davis, Collection Manager of Paleobiology, presents “Deciphering the Colors of Extinct Dinosaurs.”
1:00-2:00 p.m.: Dr. Matt Lamanna, Mary R. Dawson Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology and senior dinosaur researcher, presents “The Mysterious Megaraptorids: Giant-Clawed Meat-Eating Dinosaurs from the Southern Continents.”
PaleoLab Talks: 10:15–10:45 a.m., 2:15–2:45 p.m., and 3:15–3:45 p.m.
Join Scientific Preparator Dan Pickering as he discusses his many undertakings in PaleoLab, including the conservation and restoration of the museum’s historic fossil skeleton of the giant, marine reptile Mosasaurus.
Livestream Dino Dig in Wyoming: 12:15-1:00 p.m. and 4:15-5:00 p.m.
Watch a team of paleontologists and volunteers at work on a dino dig in Wyoming and ask them your questions.
Carnegie Museum Store: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Pick up souvenirs from your day at the museum. Don’t miss the specially curated DinoFest section.

Register for DinoFest below and purchase admission for June 14th on our ticketing page!
We’re seeing record high registrations for Dino Fest! We highly recommend purchasing your admission tickets in advance.

Peek inside Kamin Hall of Dinosaurs!

Dinosaur Stories
Read articles by museum experts to get ready for DinoFest!
Mesozoic Monthly: NasutoceratopsMesozoic Monthly: DreadnoughtusMesozoic Monthly: ScipionyxMesozoic Monthly: GargoyleosaurusIn the Field: Following the Work of a PaleontologistThe Strange Saga of Spinosaurus, the Semiaquatic Dinosaurian SuperpredatorThe Two-Headed DinosaurThe Dinosaur of a Lifetime

DinoFest is sponsored by:

Senior Social: Midday Musings
2025-06-26 12:00 - 16:00 | At the Museum, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213-4007, United States

Family Nature Hike
2025-07-05 14:00 - 15:00 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
When: Saturday, July 5, 2025, 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Where: Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA 15677
Tickets: Free
Join us as we hit the trails for a guided nature walk! We’ll meet in the atrium of the Powdermill Nature Center before heading outside to explore. This family-friendly experience is open to participants of all ages.
Events fill up fast! Registration is recommended to guarantee your spot and help us plan timing, seating, and/or trail routes. If there are spots available at the time of the program, non-registered individuals can join on a first-come, first-served basis.
Register today!

After Dark: Camp Carnegie (21+)
2025-07-18 18:00 - 22:00 | At the Museum, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213-4007, United States
We regret to inform you that After Dark: Camp Carnegie, originally scheduled for July 18th, has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience that this may have caused, and we appreciate your understanding. We are working to make sure that all refunds are issued in a timely fashion. We hope to welcome you to one of our future events soon!
When: Friday, July 18, 6:00–10:00 p.m.
Where: Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Tickets: $30 ($25 for Carnegie Museums Members)
Relive the joys of summer camp for one night only at After Dark: Camp Carnegie, an evening event for guests ages 21 and older! Spend the night earning merit badges while exploring the museum by assembling a tent, doing arts and crafts, and competing against your peers on a scat-venture hunt. Stop by the Mess Hall (called Fossil Fuels when camp isn’t in session) to purchase snacks and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). Grab your friends for a night of science, crafts, and s’more! Tickets include admission to select Carnegie Museum of Natural History galleries and themed activities. Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase.
Camp Carnegie activities include:
• Learn tent building and camping skills from Pittsburgh Park Rangers on the Foster Overlook.
• Practice fishing skills with Venture Outdoors on the Foster Overlook.
• Pick snails from a stream drift sample with Dr. Tim Pearce, Curator of Mollusks, in the Halls of Wildlife.
• Learn about the biggest moths in our area and make beaded bug lanyards with Dr. Ainsley Seago, Associate Curator of Invertebrate Zoology.
• Make friendship bracelets with our anthropology team using both ancient and modern braiding techniques from around the world.
• Identify mammal scat and embark on a museum-wide scat-venture hunt.
• Make your own mosquito repellent in the Halls of Wildlife.
• Dig for fossils in Bone Hunter’s Quarry.
• Learn how to identify regional frog and bird calls in the Halls of Wildlife.
• Enjoy campfire stories in the Hall of Botany.
• Find out which animals would win at tug-of-war in the Halls of Wildlife.

Teen Night: JurassiCon
2025-07-24 17:00 - 20:00 | At the Museum, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213-4007, United States

Family Nature Hike
2025-08-02 14:00 - 15:00 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
When: Saturday, August 2, 2025, 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Where: Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA 15677
Tickets: Free
Join us as we hit the trails for a guided nature walk! We’ll meet in the atrium of the Powdermill Nature Center before heading outside to explore. This family-friendly experience is open to participants of all ages.
Events fill up fast! Registration is recommended to guarantee your spot and help us plan timing, seating, and/or trail routes. If there are spots available at the time of the program, non-registered individuals can join on a first-come, first-served basis.
Register Today!

Hummingbird Day
2025-08-16 09:00 - 12:00 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
When: Saturday, August 16, 2025, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Where: Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA 15677
Tickets: Free
Celebrate the world’s smallest birds! Spend the morning at Powdermill Nature Center learning about colorful, tiny, fast-flying hummingbirds and their important place as pollinators in their ecosystems. Go on a guided hike, learn how to take care of bird feeders, and find out which plants in our area are perfect for pollinators. If we’re lucky, we’ll get to see some hummingbirds up close. This is a family-friendly event open to all ages.
Events fill up fast! Registration is recommended to guarantee your spot and help us plan timing, seating, and/or trail routes. If there are spots available at the time of the program, non-registered individuals can join on a first-come, first-served basis. This event starts at 9am and ends at 12pm–come anytime during this period.
Register Today!

Snake Hike
2025-08-30 16:30 - 19:00 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
When: Saturday, August 30, 4:30-7:00 p.m.
Where: Powdermill Nature Reserve
Tickets: Free
They slither, they sunbathe, they smell – they’re snakes! Snakes are our cold-blooded friends, and they play an important role in our ecosystem. Join us on a hike as we seek out the snakes at Powdermill. Learn about their role in the environment and the methodology used by researchers to attract them. We will also teach you about safety measures and how to spot venomous species.
Preteens and older are welcome! Wear sturdy shoes and pants. We will go off trail during this event.
Register today!

Powdermill Avian Research Center Guided Tour
2025-09-05 08:00 - 09:30 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
When: Friday, September 5, 2025, 8:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Where: Powdermill Nature Reserve
Tickets: Free
Enjoy a free guided tour of the bird banding lab and research facility including the flight tunnel. Visit the bird banding lab and see up-close how researchers safely capture and band birds, and learn about the data they gather. Learn about how we’re studying avian perception of glass to provide glass manufacturers and building designers with important information that will help reduce bird-window collisions.
This event takes place in an area typically closed to the public—don’t miss it! Guests must pre-register for the tour and arrive at Powdermill Avian Research Center by 8:00 a.m. The tour is 1.5 hours long.
Register Today!

Family Nature Hike
2025-09-06 02:00 - 15:00 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
When: Saturday, September 6, 2025, 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Where: Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA 15677
Tickets: Free
Join us as we hit the trails for a guided nature walk! We’ll meet in the atrium of the Powdermill Nature Center before heading outside to explore. This family-friendly experience is open to participants of all ages.
Events fill up fast! Registration is recommended to guarantee your spot and help us plan timing, seating, and/or trail routes. If there are spots available at the time of the program, non-registered individuals can join on a first-come, first-served basis.
Register Today!

R.W. Moriarty Science Seminar: Restoring an Ancient Fishpond in Maui, Hawaiʻi
2025-09-08 12:00 - 13:00
Talk: Restoring an Ancient Fishpond in Maui, Hawaiʻi
Speaker: Kiaʻi Collier, Maui Steward and Educator
When: Monday, September 8, 2025, 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Where: Earth Theater and online via Zoom
Tickets: Free. Museum admission not required.
Maui steward and educator Kiaʻi Collier is leading the restoration of an ancient fishpond in Maui, Hawaiʻi that is the piko (source) to restore social and ecological function in the community of Waiheʻe. Learn how Collier leads a hui (group) that is applying ancient techniques of Uhau Humu Pōhaku to heal land and Hawaiian communities.
Registration is required to attend R.W. Moriarty Science Seminars. Sign-up below to attend in person or click here to join us via Zoom.

Upcoming R.W. Moriarty Science Seminars
Learn about scientific discoveries directly from the experts in the field. Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s scientific research staff and invited speakers discuss their latest findings on numerous scientific topics through the 2025 – 2026 R.W. Moriarty Science Seminar season.

Powdermill Avian Research Center Open House
2025-09-20 08:00 - 10:30 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
When: Saturday, September 20, 8:00–10:30 a.m.
Where: Powdermill Nature Reserve
Tickets: Free
Join us for an open house at the Powdermill Avian Research Center (PARC)! Although PARC is operational year-round, it is typically closed to the public. Stop by the open house to get a behind the scenes look at our scientists’ work. See the bird banding processes up close, learn about how we catch them, find out what data is recorded, and more. Advance registration is recommended for this free event.
Register Today!

Family Nature Walk
2025-10-04 14:00 - 15:00 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
When: Saturday, October 4, 2025, 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Where: Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA 15677
Tickets: Free
Join us as we hit the trails for a guided nature walk! We’ll meet in the atrium of the Powdermill Nature Center before heading outside to explore. This family-friendly experience is open to participants of all ages.
Events fill up fast! Registration is recommended to guarantee your spot and help us plan timing, seating, and/or trail routes. If there are spots available at the time of the program, non-registered individuals can join on a first-come, first-served basis.
Register Today!

R.W. Moriarty Science Seminar: The Colors of Dinosaurs
2025-10-09 18:00 - 19:00
Talk: The Colors of Dinosaurs: Using the Fossil Record and Living Birds to Determine Extinct Animal Coloration
Speaker: Dr. Sarah Davis, Collection Manager of Paleobiology, Carnegie Museum of Natural History
When: Thursday, October 9, 2025, 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Where: Art Theater and online via Zoom; Reception to follow in Café Carnegie
Tickets: Free. Museum admission not required.
Dr. Sarah Davis, Collection Manager of Paleobiology, will present her research on determining the colors of extinct dinosaurs using both fossil evidence and insights from living animals. While many fossils show that dinosaurs could have had black, brown, grey, and even shiny colors, not all pigments will fossilize. By looking at the evolution of pigments in living animals, along with evidence from the fossil record, it is possible to infer if dinosaurs may have also been able to express bright colors such as red, yellow, and pink. Dr. Davis will discuss which dinosaurs may have been most likely to express these vivid colors, and ongoing challenges in the field of paleo-coloration.
Please join us for a reception in Café Carnegie immediately following the seminar.
Registration is required to attend R.W. Moriarty Science Seminars. Sign-up below to attend in person or click here to join us via Zoom.

Upcoming R.W. Moriarty Science Seminars
Learn about scientific discoveries directly from the experts in the field. Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s scientific research staff and invited speakers discuss their latest findings on numerous scientific topics at the R.W. Moriarty Science Seminar series.

Powdermill Avian Research Center Guided Tour
2025-10-10 08:00 - 09:30 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
When: Friday, October 10, 2025, 8:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Where: Powdermill Nature Reserve
Tickets: Free
Enjoy a free guided tour of the bird banding lab and research facility including the flight tunnel. Visit the bird banding lab and see up-close how researchers safely capture and band birds, and learn about the data they gather. Learn about how we’re studying avian perception of glass to provide glass manufacturers and building designers with important information that will help reduce bird-window collisions.
This event takes place in an area typically closed to the public—don’t miss it! Guests must pre-register for the tour and arrive at Powdermill Avian Research Center by 8:00 a.m. The tour is 1.5 hours long.
Register Today!
