Programs & Events

Arrow pointOur 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.

Field-Learning Activities

Field Learning Activities: Participants make field observations, test ideas, and use tools they may otherwise not have access to. Past field-learning activities include shoe-box archaeology digs, animal tracking tours, and bird walks.

Upcoming field-learning activities:

There are no upcoming Field Learning Activities scheduled.

Workshops

Workshops: Museum workshops led by local experts offer hands-on learning activities to small groups of participants. Past workshops have focused on scientific illustration techniques and basic field archaeology methods and best practices.

Upcoming workshops:

There are no upcoming workshops scheduled.

Lectures

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:

Connecticut Office of State Archaeology Year-in-Review with Dr. Sarah Sportman

Community Outreach & Special Events

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 and special events:

Tracking Local Animal Behavior with the CSMNH

Student Friends of the CSMNH at UConn's Spring Involvement Fair

If you require an accommodation to attend any of our events, please contact the CSMNH at 860-486-4460 or CSMNHInfo@uconn.edu at least 5 days before the event.

Upcoming Events

https://events.uconn.edu/live/json/v2/events/response_fields/location,image/date_format/%25F%20%25j,%20%25Y/group/Connecticut State Museum of Natural History/start_date/today/end_date/6 months/
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Winter Event Details

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Tracking Local Animal Behavior with the CSMNH

at the Willimantic Public Library (WPL)

Friday, 2 January 2026

Willimantic Public Library Community Room, 905 Main Street, Willimantic, CT

 

Explore the winter behaviors of common animals and insects with the CSMNH!

Through activities and observation, learn how to identify the signs that mammals leave behind as they travel through their local habitats. Touch and view real specimens and discover the ways some of your favorite native critters make it through the winter.

This program is part of the Willimantic Public Library's Homeschool Fridays program.

 

This program occurs during most schools' winter breaks and is free and open to all children 5+ and their guardians.

 

 

 

MORE INFO ABOUT THE CSMNH AT THE WPL

SPECIAL EVENT

Graphic illustration of a grid with photos of State Archaeologist Sarah Sportman, a hand holding an artifact, and an aerial view of test pits at the Hollister site in GlastonburyConnecticut Office of State Archaeology Year-in-Review Lecture

with Dr. Sarah Sportman

Saturday, 31 January 2026

2-4pm

Buchanan Auditorium, Mansfield Public Library, 54 Warrenville Rd, Mansfield Center

 

All are invited to hear about the latest discoveries by the Office of State Archaeology (OSA)!

State Archaeologist Dr. Sarah Sportman will share highlights of the fieldwork, research, and activities undertaken by the OSA during this annual public lecture.

Learn about the OSA’s past year of work and what the next year will bring. Artifacts and recent finds by Dr. Sportman’s team will be on display before and after the talk. The talk begins at 2:30 and will be followed by a Q&A and an informal reception.

 

If you require any accommodations to participate in this event, please contact the CSMNH at 860-486-4460 or CSMNHinfo@uconn.edu by Monday January 26.

 

The event is free and open to the public! RSVP is appreciated for reception planning.

 

 

 

RSVP FOR OSA YEAR-IN-REVIEW

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Student Activities, UConn Involvement Fair - Get Involved!UConn Involvement Fair Spring 2026

FOR UCONN STUDENTS ONLY!

 

Look for the CSMNH and our Student Friends of the Museum group among the more than 500 organizations and university programs open to students at UConn's Spring Involvement Fair.

Undergraduate and Graduate students are invited to come talk with some of our Student Friends about ways they can get involved with the Museum and learn how to join our enthusiastic and dedicated team!

Look for more information about the Involvement Fair when the semester starts in January by visiting the Student Activities website.

You can also connect with us anytime on UConn's Involvement site UConntact.

 

 

 

JOIN THE CSMNH ON UCONNTACT