Events and Programs | CT State Museum of Natural History

Lectures: Experts from diverse backgrounds, many recognized as leaders in their fields, share their knowledge with the public. Speakers explore contemporary issues and reveal ancient mysteries on varied topics. Recent past lectures have focused on taking local action to address climate change, the pre-agricultural origins of the UConn campus, and the story of Darwin’s fascination with orchids. In addition, the CSMNH co-sponsors the Edwin Way Teale Lecture Series, which brings leading scholars from around the world to UConn to present public lectures on nature and the environment six times each year.

Upcoming lectures:

There are currently no lectures scheduled.

Community outreach events: These events involve the broader Connecticut community and help create awareness of and foster involvement in the CSMNH, emphasizing unique educational opportunities for the public at-large. Past community outreach events where the CSMNH has participated include the Connecticut Archaeology Fair, Willimantic's 3rd Thursday, Celebrate Mansfield Festival, UConn Extension’s Bug Week, and The Last Green Valley's Walktober.

Upcoming community outreach events:

There are currently no community outreach events scheduled. But look for the Museum at Willimantic's 3rd Thursday Street Festival in June and July!

FIELD LEARNING ACTIVITY

UConn Arboretum Tour with Drs. Greg Anderson and Mark Brand

Saturday, 8 June 2024

10-11:30am

UConn Storrs

Join along on this beloved walking tour as Drs. Gregory Anderson and Mark Brand, co-chairs of the UConn Arboretum Committee, identify and share stories about some of the most unique and interesting trees at UConn Storrs!

Based on the concept of the “campus as arboretum,” the Arboretum Committee helps to protect, promote, catalogue, and manage the trees and shrubs across campus. Greg and Mark will identify and share stories about some of the campus’ most interesting trees.

*** Space is limited and registration is required! ***
$10 for Museum Members
$15 for non-Members

Participants aged 16 and under must be accompanied by a chaperone.

REGISTRATION CLOSES ON THURSDAY JUNE 6 OR WHEN ALL SLOTS ARE FULL. THERE IS NO WAITLIST FOR THIS EVENT.

If you require an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact the CSMNH at 860-486-4460 or CSMNHinfo@uconn.edu by Monday, June 3.

This walk may be challenging for some. Although mostly on sidewalk, it will include some hilly areas and walking on grass to get a closer look at the trees. Sturdy footwear is recommended.

WORKSHOP

Aquatic Insects of Connecticut – Fly Tying Workshop

Saturday, 20 July 2024

9AM-4PM

UConn Storrs

Learn about and create lures mimicking the native aquatic insects that serve as critical food sources for popular game fish in Connecticut’s rivers!

The Connecticut State Museum of Natural History is excited to once again be collaborating with the Connecticut Fly Fisherman’s Association (CFFA) and the UConn Biodiversity Research Collections (BRC) to hold their Aquatic Insects of Connecticut Fly Tying Workshop!

Participants will learn to recognize the primary insect groups and how to tie patterns on hooks to simulate their behaviors and ecology while fly fishing in local rivers such as the Fenton, Farmington, and Willimantic Rivers. Participants are encouraged to use their new skills and lures with subsequent participation in the CFFA’s educational programs of casting and advanced tying.

Registration fee of $15 includes all materials to create 3 unique flies.

Participants aged 12 – 16 must be accompanied by a chaperone.

If you require an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact the CSMNH at 860-486-4460 or CSMNHinfo@uconn.edu by Monday, July 15, 2023.

Registration is limited to 15 participants and closes July 15 or when registration is full.

Registration coming soon!

FIELD SCHOOL

12-16 August 2024

Archaeology Field School for Adults with the Office of State Archaeology

The Connecticut State Museum of Natural History, the Office of State Archaeology (OSA), and the Friends of the Office of State Archaeology, Inc. (FOSA) are pleased to be once again offering their week-long Archaeology Field School for Adults.

Monday-Friday, 9AM-3PM

South Glastonbury, CT

Registration Cost for week-long field school:

$300 - Museum Members; $350 - Non-Members

Participants will gain hands on experience contributing to an authentic and significant archaeological investigation, working with primary sources at a 17th-century colonial site in South Glastonbury, Connecticut. Days will start at 9am and end at 3pm, with a break for a brown bag lunch. The field school will cover the basics of field methods, paperwork, mapping, data management, and artifact identification.

The program is designed to provide a deeper appreciation of the importance of archaeology as a tool for learning about Connecticut’s fascinating past. Learning proper archaeological methods will develop the participant’s understanding of the ethical aspects of archaeology and the archaeologist’s responsibility to preserve the data they retrieve so that it will remain valuable to future researchers.

The Archaeological Field School is taught by Connecticut State Archaeologist Dr. Sarah Sportman with support from FOSA, a non-profit organization whose mission is to support the Connecticut Office of State Archaeology through education, public outreach, partnerships with local communities, financial support, and public assistance.

While the program is open to all adults, it may be of special interest to educators who teach history or social sciences in a classroom or museum setting.

Space for this program is limited!

Registration is open to adults aged 18+ and ends Wednesday August 7, 2024.

Registration coming soon!