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
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
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
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 & 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:
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!
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
FIELD LEARNING ACTIVITY 
UConn Arboretum Tour
Saturday, June 7, 2025
10am–12pm
UConn Storrs
Join along on this popular walking tour with a team of current and former UConn Arboretum Committee Members as they identify and share stories about some of the most unique and interesting trees in Storrs!
Led by Landscape Architect and UConn Tree Warden Eileen McHugh, the team includes Wes Ayers (Facilities Manager, Utilities and Grounds), Nick Pettit (Greenhouse Plant Growth Facilities Manager), and Greg Tormey (Retired UConn Horticulturalist).
Based on the concept of "the campus as arboretum," the UConn Arboretum Committee helps to protect, promote, catalogue, and manage the trees and shrubs across campus.
Walk is primarily on sidewalks, with some hills and grassy areas.
Participants aged 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Held rain or shine! In case of severe weather, walk will be cancelled and rescheduled to a later date.
Details regarding meet up location and parking will be sent the week before the event.
The event is free and open to the public!
Registration is required and donations are appreciated, as they help us keep our public programs free!
If you require an accommodation to participate in this event,
please contact the Museum at 860-486-4460 or CSMNHinfo@uconn.edu by Wednesday June 4, 2025.