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.

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:

UConn Arboretum Tour with Eileen McHugh, Saturday June 7, 2025 at 10am.

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 currently no workshops scheduled.

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 workshops 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 and special events:

The CSMNH will be at Willimantic's 3rd Thursday Street Fest in May, June & July in 2025! Join us for the following activities this summer:

• May 15 - DIY Nature-Themed Bookplates with the Willimantic Public Library
• June 19 - Make Your Own Natural History Button
• July 17 - Bug Week @ Willi 3rd Thursday!

We will also be doing a special plant pressing and nature journal activity with the Mansfield Public Library at their Thursday August 7 Teen Night. More details to come!