With the goal of enhancing people’s understanding of natural and cultural history, the CSMNH develops and coordinates engaging learning opportunities that showcase research, scholarship, and creativity to various internal and external audiences. Our programs and events include: field-learning activities, workshops, lectures, and community outreach 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 shoebox archaeology digs, animal tracking tours, and bird walks.
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.
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.
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 events include the Connecticut Archaeology Fair, UConn Extension’s Bug Week and The Last Green Valley's Walktober.
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
COMMUNITY EVENT
Insects & Arachnids at Celebrate Mansfield Festival
Saturday, 30 September 2023
2 - 6PM
Betsy Paterson Square, Downtown Storrs, CT
The CSMNH is excited to be celebrating the 20th Annual Celebrate Mansfield Festival with a diversity of insect and arachnid specimens on display, along with fun activities for all ages.
*** This event is FREE and open to the public! ***
More information about the 20th Annual Celebrate Mansfield Festival can be found on their website.
EDWIN WAY TEALE LECTURE SERIES
12 October 2023
Joining Forces With Water: Resonance and the Geologic Presence of People and Aquifers
with Andrea Ballestero
Associate Professor of Anthropology and Director of the Ethnography Studio, University of Southern California
All Teale lectures are free, open to the public, and held on Thursdays at 4pm in the Konover Auditorium in the Dodd Center for Human Rights at UConn Storrs (unless noted otherwise).
Visit the Edwin Way Teale Lecture website for more information and the link to view recorded lectures.
COMMUNITY EVENT
Walktober: The Miniature Plants of Eastern Connecticut with Dr. Bernard Goffinet
Saturday, 7 October 2023
10AM - 12PM
Hillside Environmental Education Park (HEEP)
159 Discovery Drive, Storrs, CT
Sign-in begins at 9:45AM at the trailhead.
Gain insights into the mosses of Northeastern Connecticut with Dr. Bernard Goffinet of the University of Connecticut’s Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology.
Join Dr. Goffinet on an easy hike through a portion of the 165-acre parcel known as the “HEEP”, or Hillside Environmental Education Park. The HEEP consists of uplands, meadows, woodlands, wetlands (including vernal pools) and riparian zones around Cedar Swamp Brook.
Participants will explore, discover, and hear stories about native mosses and the miniature forest that can be found right below their feet.
*** This event is FREE and open to the public ~ space is limited and registration is required! ***
Participants aged 16 and under must be accompanied by a chaperone.
This hike may be challenging for some and will include hilly areas and some forays off trail to hunt for mosses. Sturdy footwear and long pants are recommended. Depending on the weather, other items that may make your time in the woods more comfortable:
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Water
- Hats and long sleeves/pants
View and Download Digital Flyer
View and Download Press Release
Registration is limited to 20 participants and closes Friday October 6, or when registration is full.
COMMUNITY EVENT
21 October 2023
Walktober: UConn Arboretum Fall Tour with Drs. Gregory J. Anderson and Mark H. Brand
Saturday, 10-11:30AM
UConn Storrs Arboretum
Sign-in begins at 9:45AM on Hillside Road.
Drs. Gregory J. Anderson and Mark H. Brand, co-chairs of the UConn Arboretum Committee, will lead participants on a tour of one of the most spectacular natural resources at UConn Storrs: the trees! 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 stores about some of the campus’ most interesting trees.
The UConn Campus Tree Touring Guide is available at the UConn Arboretum website, but printed copies will also be provided.
If you require an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact the CSMNH at 860-486-4460 or CSMNHinfo@uconn.edu by Monday, October 16, 2023.
*** This event is FREE and open to the public ~ space is limited and registration is required! ***
Participants aged 16 and under must be accompanied by a chaperone.
View and Download Digital Flyer
Registration is limited to 25 participants and closes Friday October 20, or when registration is full.
EXHIBIT RECEPTION
1 November 2023
Material World: Design for a Healthful and Equitable Future
with Cameron Slocum
3-5pm, Light Court of the Gant Science Complex
“Material World: Design for a Healthful and Equitable Future” is the project of Cameron Slocum, an undergraduate Industrial Design and Digital Media and Design student in the School of Fine Arts at UConn Storrs.
The design industry is responsible for excessive amounts of waste…but what if there was an alternative?
This exhibit is an evolving proof-of-concept and educational resource for sustainable exhibit design, and Ms. Slocum will discuss sustainable exhibit design practices and materials during the reception.
The reception is open to the public but an RSVP is requested, as light refreshments will be served.
More information and a link to RSVP will be coming soon!
EDWIN WAY TEALE LECTURE SERIES
2 November 2023
Building a Better Anthropocene by Understanding Relationships Between People and Nature
with Elena Bennett
Professor and Canada Research Chair – Sustainability Science, McGill University All Teale lectures are free, open to the public, and held on Thursdays at 4pm in the Konover Auditorium in the Dodd Center for Human Rights at UConn Storrs (unless noted otherwise). Visit the Edwin Way Teale Lecture website for more information and the link to view recorded lectures. Teale Lecture poster for 2022-2023COMMUNITY EVENT
Biology of Evergreen Trees at Mansfield Winter Welcome
Saturday, 30 September 2023
4 - 6:30PM
Betsy Paterson Square, Downtown Storrs, CT
Learn about the biology of evergreen trees and the biodiversity that lives in and around them!
*** This event is FREE and open to the public! ***
More information about the Mansfield Winter Welcome festival can be found on their website.