Natural History Museum announces spring programming

Editor's note: The University of Kansas Natural History Museum is offering free admission to the museum for all furloughed federal workers and their families during the federal government shutdown, waiving the suggested contribution.

LAWRENCE — New programs for families and University of Kansas students are in the lineup for winter and spring at the KU Natural History Museum, including International Museum Selfie Day on Wednesday, Jan. 16. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the museum will have selfie stations in Dyche Hall for visitors to take pictures with a polar bear — and more.

Discovery Days will take place in January and May. These events have hands-on activities for all ages on a variety of topics. They are scheduled for weekends or days when Lawrence Public Schools are not holding classes. The first event will take place 1-3 p.m. Jan. 27 to celebrate Kansas Day, investigate museum specimens and engage in activities for all ages. 

The popular Science-on-Tap series at Lawrence’s Free State Brewing Co. will return this spring. Learn about remarkable expeditions, research and discoveries by museum and KU scientists while enjoying food and a local brew. The first Science-on-Tap will be “Auditory Repercussions: Why Can’t I Hear at Noisy Restaurants Anymore?” by Mark Chertoff. The event will take place at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30. 

The Natural History Museum is also going mobile with a special event in Chanute. “Microbes on the Move” will take place from noon-4 p.m. March 15 at Chanute Public Library, where attendees will explore the minuscule, mysterious world of microbes. Observe microorganisms from the local environment, make a mini-microbial garden and learn about connections between microbes and other living animals and plants with specimens and activities.  

Full event details are available at https://biodiversity.ku.edu/calendar. See additional events below:  

January

Museum Selfie Day
Wednesday, Jan. 16 
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
KU Natural History Museum

Kaw Valley Eagles Day 
Saturday, Jan. 19 
8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Billy Mills Middle School
2734 Louisiana St.

Art Cart: Still Life
Jan. 26 
1-4 p.m.
Spencer Museum of Art

Discovery Day: Kansas Day
Jan. 27 
1-3 p.m. 
KU Natural History Museum

Science on Tap with Mark Chertoff: Auditory Repercussions — Why Can’t I Hear at Noisy Restaurants Anymore?
Jan. 30 
7:30-9 p.m.
Free State Brewing Company 
636 Massachusetts St.

February

Collections Up Close: Fungi 
Feb. 9 
12-1:30 p.m. 
KU Natural History Museum

Collections Up Close: Fungi
Feb. 12
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. 
Kansas Union 

Sponsored Event: Sexy Science 
Feb. 12
7-9 p.m.
KU Natural History Museum 

Science on Tap with Roger Boyd: Habitat Restoration at the Baker Wetlands
Feb. 20 
7:30-9 p.m. 
Free State Brewing Company 
 

March 

Collections Up Close: Beetles
March 2
12-1:30 p.m.
KU Natural History Museum

Collection Up Close: Beetles
March 5
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Kansas Union

Microbes on the Move 
March 15
12-4 p.m. 
Chanute Public Library  
111 N. Lincoln, Chanute

Science on Tap with Richard Yi: Is Addiction Rational?
March 20
7:30–9 p.m. 
Free State Brewing Company 

KU Common Book in Context: Herpetology in Haiti with Richard Glor
March 26 
7-9 p.m. 
The Commons, Spooner Hall

April 

Collections Up Close: Archaeology 
April 6
12-1:30 p.m.
KU Natural History Museum

Collections Up Close: Archaeology 
April 9
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Kansas Union

Science on Tap with Jennifer Hamer and Clarence Lang: The Impact of Race on University Structure
April 17
7:30-9 p.m.
Free State Brewing Company 

Earth Day 
April 20 
11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 
South Park, downtown Lawrence 

Collections Up Close: Game of Thrones Special Edition
April 23
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Kansas Union

May

Art Cart: Clay 
May 18
1-4 p.m.
Spencer Museum of Art 

Discovery Day: Marine Life 
May 24 
10 a.m.-noon 
KU Natural History Museum.