Our goal for programming at the CSMNH is to enhance people's understanding of both natural and cultural history. We strive to develop engaging learning opportunities that showcase research, scholarship, and creativity for audiences of all ages, at the university and across the broader public.
The Museum's programs and events include field-learning activities, workshops, lectures, community outreach, and special events.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Celebrate Mansfield Festival
Saturday, 26 September 2026
2-6PM
Storrs Downtown
Celebrate Mansfield is Mansfield's largest annual community event, featuring a free public festival that brings together local residents, businesses and UConn students. Stop by and see the CSMNH to learn about the diversity of BATS and their diets.
SPECIAL EVENT
2026 Archaeology Fair
Saturday, 3 October 2026
11AM-3PM
Lebanon Historical Society
856 Trumbull Hwy, Lebanon, CT
Join State Archaeologist, Dr. Sarah Sportman in celebrating Archaeology Awareness Month with tables, displays, games, and talks about the great archaeology that is taking place in our state! Free and open to the public.
We hope to see you there!
SPECIAL EVENT
Gemstone Station: A Town that Rocks - Wee Faerie Village
Saturday, 10 October 2026
11AM-4PM
Florence Griswold Museum
96 Lyme Street , Old Lyme, CT
All that glitters is not gold…sometimes it’s rubies, emeralds, and diamonds. Explore a Wee Faerie Village where everything is made from precious gifts of the earth: twinkling gemstones, sparkling rare minerals, and shimmering shiny metals.
CMSNH Members receive a discounted admission to The Florence Griswold Museum this day.
If you require an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact the CSMNH at 860-486-4460 or CSMNHinfo@uconn.edu.
FIELD LEARNING ACTIVITY
Walktober: Mushrooms at Goodwin State Forest with Karen Monger
Saturday, 17 October 2026
10AM-12PM
Goodwin State Forest, Hampton
Join the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History and professional forager Karen Monger for an instructional foray through Goodwin State Forest covering the basics of mushroom identification.
In case of inclement weather, a lecture covering the fundamentals will take place under cover.
If you require an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact the CSMNH at 860-486-4460 or CSMNHinfo@uconn.edu .
The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required and donations are appreciated! Limited to 25 participants and those under 18 must be accompanied by a chaperone.
FIELD LEARNING ACTIVITY
Walktober: Halloween Mushrooms at the HEEP with Karen Monger
Friday, 30 October 2026
1–3PM
Hillside Environmental Education Park, UConn Storrs
Professional forager Karen Monger, of The 3 Foragers, will lead a Halloween foray into the Hillside Environmental Education Park (the HEEP) to share the basics of mushroom identification with students and members of the public. Karen is a member and officer for the Connecticut Valley Mycological Society.
If you require an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact the CSMNH at 860-486-4460 or CSMNHinfo@uconn.edu .
The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required and donations are appreciated! Limited to 25 participants and those under 18 must be accompanied by a chaperone.
