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.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Willimantic's 3rd Thursday Street Festival
6-9PM
Main Street, Willimantic, CT
Thursday, 21 May 2026- All About Herps
We'll kick off the May fest by focusing on reptiles and amphibians⏤also known as herps!
Examine skeletons of snakes, frogs, and turtles up close and learn about our Reptile and Amphibian Diversity Study at Allanach-Wolf Woodlands with Dr. Susan Herrick.
Thursday, 16 July 2026- Bug Week: All About Bees
In July we celebrate all things bugs with UConn Extension during their annual BUG WEEK! Learn all about Connecticut' s bees with Connecticut State Museum of Natural History and The Last Green Valley! See specimens of local bees, learn about where and how they live, and how to tell them apart from wasps. Visitors of all ages can help us create bee houses for the Windham Garden Clubs green spaces across Willimantic!
Festival is free and open to the public!
More information about festival vendors and parking can be found on the Willimantic Street Fest website.
FIELD LEARNING ACTIVITY
Spring Arboretum Tour
Saturday 6 June 2026
10am-12pm
UConn Storrs
The Connecticut State Museum of Natural History is excited to host our popular walking tour of the UConn Arboretum again this spring! Led by a knowledgeable team of experts from the UConn Arboretum Committee, this tour of some of the most interesting and diverse trees on campus promises to be both informative and engaging. 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.
The 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
WORKSHOP
Scientific Illustration: Birds with Virge Kask
Saturday, 27 June 2026
William Benton Museum of Art, UConn Storrs
Join this hands-on, beginner-friendly session where you'll learn to observe bird anatomy, capture gesture and posture, and render feathers and beaks using pencil and tracing paper. Ms. Kask will teach the best techniques for conveying the essence of these captivating creatures and provide tips for drawing from mounts and live subjects.
This event is being held in conjunction with the Birds Up Close exhibit, opening at the Benton Museum of Art on May 26 and running through August 2, 2026.
View or Download Exhibit Press Release
The event is open to the public but registration is required!
$15 CSMNH & Benton Museum Members/ $20 Non-Members, includes all supplies.
If you require an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact the Museum at 860-486-4460 or CSMNHinfo@uconn.edu
FIELD LEARNING ACTIVITY
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 once again be offering our week-long Archaeology Field School for Adults.
6-10 July 2026
Monday-Friday, 9AM-3PM
South Glastonbury, CT
Registration Cost for week-long field school:
$300 - Museum Members, Teachers & Veterans; $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 des
igned 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!
Contact us about educator and veteran discounts!
Registration is open to adults aged 18+ and ends Monday June 29, 2026 or until full.
Big Bird Day!COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Nature Crafts with the CSMNH
at the Stafford Public Library
Tuesday, 4 August 2026
5–7PM
Join us and learn how to make special bookmarks decorated entirely from plants (including some that grow here on library property!) We’ll use ink and dyes from berries and other sources as watercolors and press flowers to create a beautiful and lasting work of art! Learn about making twine out of plants you can find in your yard, or make monoprints with leaves and flowers.
This program runs for 2 hours and is open to all ages. There will be age-appropriate options for children, teens, and adults.
View or Download Nature Crafts Flyer
