July | August | September | October | November | December

Carnegie Museum of Natural History is committed to providing a wide range of lectures, workshops, and classes that tie in with our exhibitions and special events.  Check these pages often for updates!

Adult Programs | Free Activities for Families | Tours for Schools & Groups

The museum is closed on Independence Day: Sunday, July 4

Summer Mondays: The museum is open on Mondays, July 5–August 30.

Free Weekend Activities at Powdermill Nature Reserve

Powdermill Nature Reserve is the biological research station of Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Located in Rector, PA, amidst the rolling Laurel Highlands, wildflowers, trees, songbirds, and salamanders can be examined by eye, ear, magnifying glass, and camera. The world-class research programs at Powdermill, including the renowned bird-banding laboratory, take advantage of the biodiversity of the Allegheny Mountains. For more information, click here to visit the Powdermill Web site, or call 724.593.6105.

Weekend Nature Hikes
Saturday, 1 p.m.
Free; no registration required

Join naturalists and educators for family-appropriate, seasonal nature hikes. These hour-long hikes take place in rain, wind, or cold, so please dress for the weather.

Scientific Lecture Series for Adults
Sunday, 1 p.m.
Free; no registration required

Enjoy a scientific lecture series given by naturalists, scientists, and researchers from Powdermill Nature Reserve and Carnegie Museum of Natural History, as well as some special guest speakers. Talks are geared toward adults and last between 30 and 60 minutes in the Parker Room of the Nature Center.

July 18: Nature through Photography
Shawn McConville, Powdermill educator

July 25: Medicinal Uses of Herbs
Ann Simpson: Herb Society of America

Support for free weekend programming provided by:

Life: A Journey Through Time
Through January 9, 2011
R.P. Simmons Family Gallery, Third Floor

Frans Lanting’s epic photographic project Life: A Journey Through Time interprets the story of life on Earth, from the first single-celled organisms to today’s vast array of life forms. The exhibition’s 64 stunning images, guided by recent scientific insights, range from primordial landscapes to microscopic specimens in museum collections. Lanting provides an inspiring view of the powerful yet delicate interplay among Earth and its inhabitants, from earliest history until now.

Pittsburgh Adorned: Classic to Contemporary
Through October 17
Wertz Gallery: Gems & Jewelry in Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems

More than 80 exquisite pieces from local private collections and Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History celebrate the many passions—including love, status, and even politics—that jewelry evokes. The exhibition explores design trends of the past 200 years and features works by Alexander Calder, Barry Kieselstein-Cord, and David Webb, as well as contemporary local designers ROY and Ronald McNeish. Orr's Jewelers, presenting sponsor. Additional support from Rodgers Insurance Group and Fireman's Fund Insurance Company.

Summer Camps at Carnegie Museums of Natural History and Powdermill Nature Reserve
June 14–August 13

Museum summer camps deliver the world! The entire museum campus is a field for discovery and creativity, where kids investigate Earth, art, dance, science, and more through behind-the-scenes tours, hands-on encounters, and exciting activities. Weeklong half- and full-day camps accommodate children from ages 4 through 13, with additional programs available for preschoolers and high school students.

Visit the Camps Web site for program listings and registration information!

Population Impact
New permanent exhibition

What part do humans play on ecosystems? What part do ecosystems play on humans? Population Impact focuses on populations—of humans, plants, and other animals—and regional and global ecosystems: how they are endlessly connected, and how they are affected by human decisions on the use of resources. Explore the current topics of human population growth, tree cloning, biodiversity, and more through specimens, photographs, text, and graphic elements, with a special focus on the research being done by Carnegie Museum of Natural History scientists.

Lord of the Crane Flies
Through October 10
3rd Floor Exhibition Foyer

This exhibition focuses on Invertebrate Zoologist Chen Young's nearly 30 years of work on crane flies. Exhibition includes photographs, illustrations, specimens and video all about crane flies—what they are, where they live, how they are collected and studied, and why they are an important part of the planet we share.

Photo: Pedicia albivitta by Donna Race

Free Family Activities

Free with museum admission. Check at any Information desk for a list of the day's events!

Summer Mondays: The museum is open on Mondays through August 30.

Summer Camps at Carnegie Museums of Natural History and Powdermill Nature Reserve
June 14–August 13

Museum summer camps deliver the world! The entire museum campus is a field for discovery and creativity, where kids investigate Earth, art, dance, science, and more through behind-the-scenes tours, hands-on encounters, and exciting activities. Weeklong half- and full-day camps accommodate children from ages 4 through 13, with additional programs available for preschoolers and high school students.

Visit the Camps Web site for program listings and registration information!

Life: A Journey Through Time
Through January 9, 2011
R.P. Simmons Family Gallery, Third Floor

Frans Lanting’s epic photographic project Life: A Journey Through Time interprets the story of life on Earth, from the first single-celled organisms to today’s vast array of life forms. The exhibition’s 64 stunning images, guided by recent scientific insights, range from primordial landscapes to microscopic specimens in museum collections. Lanting provides an inspiring view of the powerful yet delicate interplay among Earth and its inhabitants, from earliest history until now.

Pittsburgh Adorned: Classic to Contemporary
Through October 17
Wertz Gallery: Gems & Jewelry in Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems

More than 80 exquisite pieces from local private collections and Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History celebrate the many passions—including love, status, and even politics—that jewelry evokes. The exhibition explores design trends of the past 200 years and features works by Alexander Calder, Barry Kieselstein-Cord, and David Webb, as well as contemporary local designers ROY and Ronald McNeish. Orr's Jewelers, presenting sponsor. Additional support from Rodgers Insurance Group and Fireman's Fund Insurance Company.

Educator Workshop
CSI: Climate Status Investigations
Center for Museum Education
August 4–5, 2010
8:30–5 p.m.

Gain the tools you need to introduce climate change topics to your middle school and high school students! The Keystone Center, a leading environmental education training institute, offers strategies for a non-biased approach to this complex issue. The hands-on, inquiry-based CSI curriculum leads students through an exploration of the main aspects of global climate change.

Free; Act 48 credits available for a small fee. Register by July 15. Learn more at www.carnegiemnh.org/programs/services.htm.

Free Weekend Activities at Powdermill Nature Reserve

Powdermill Nature Reserve is the biological research station of Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Located in Rector, PA, amidst the rolling Laurel Highlands, wildflowers, trees, songbirds, and salamanders can be examined by eye, ear, magnifying glass, and camera. The world-class research programs at Powdermill, including the renowned bird-banding laboratory, take advantage of the biodiversity of the Allegheny Mountains. For more information, click here to visit the Powdermill Web site, or call 724.593.6105.

Weekend Nature Hikes
Saturday, 1 p.m.
Free; no registration required

Join naturalists and educators for family-appropriate, seasonal nature hikes. These hour-long hikes take place in rain, wind, or cold, so please dress for the weather.

Scientific Lecture Series for Adults
Sunday, 1 p.m.
Free; no registration required

Enjoy a scientific lecture series given by naturalists, scientists, and researchers from Powdermill Nature Reserve and Carnegie Museum of Natural History, as well as some special guest speakers. Talks are geared toward adults and last between 30 and 60 minutes in the Parker Room of the Nature Center.

August 1: Bees and Bee Keeping
Tom Durdevich, Beekeeper and owner of Tom's Bees

Support for free weekend programming provided by:

Free Family Activities

Free with museum admission. Check at any Information desk for a list of the day's events!

Population Impact
New permanent exhibition

What part do humans play on ecosystems? What part do ecosystems play on humans? Population Impact focuses on populations—of humans, plants, and other animals—and regional and global ecosystems: how they are endlessly connected, and how they are affected by human decisions on the use of resources. Explore the current topics of human population growth, tree cloning, biodiversity, and more through specimens, photographs, text, and graphic elements, with a special focus on the research being done by Carnegie Museum of Natural History scientists.

Lord of the Crane Flies
Through October 10
3rd Floor Exhibition Foyer

This exhibition focuses on Invertebrate Zoologist Chen Young's nearly 30 years of work on crane flies. Exhibition includes photographs, illustrations, specimens and video all about crane flies—what they are, where they live, how they are collected and studied, and why they are an important part of the planet we share.

Photo: Pedicia albivitta by Donna Race

Western Pennsylvania Geology Series
For more information, contact Albert D. Kollar, Geologist/Collection Manager, at kollara@carnegiemnh.org or 412.622.5513.

August 14
Geology of the Pittsburgh Region and McKeesport
McKeesport Heritage Center
2 p.m.

The museum is closed on Labor Day: Monday, September 6

Pittsburgh Adorned: Classic to Contemporary
Through October 17
Wertz Gallery: Gems & Jewelry in Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems

More than 80 exquisite pieces from local private collections and Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History celebrate the many passions—including love, status, and even politics—that jewelry evokes. The exhibition explores design trends of the past 200 years and features works by Alexander Calder, Barry Kieselstein-Cord, and David Webb, as well as contemporary local designers ROY and Ronald McNeish. Orr's Jewelers, presenting sponsor. Additional support from Rodgers Insurance Group and Fireman's Fund Insurance Company.

Life: A Journey Through Time
Through January 9, 2011
R.P. Simmons Family Gallery, Third Floor

Frans Lanting’s epic photographic project Life: A Journey Through Time interprets the story of life on Earth, from the first single-celled organisms to today’s vast array of life forms. The exhibition’s 64 stunning images, guided by recent scientific insights, range from primordial landscapes to microscopic specimens in museum collections. Lanting provides an inspiring view of the powerful yet delicate interplay among Earth and its inhabitants, from earliest history until now.

Population Impact
New permanent exhibition

What part do humans play on ecosystems? What part do ecosystems play on humans? Population Impact focuses on populations—of humans, plants, and other animals—and regional and global ecosystems: how they are endlessly connected, and how they are affected by human decisions on the use of resources. Explore the current topics of human population growth, tree cloning, biodiversity, and more through specimens, photographs, text, and graphic elements, with a special focus on the research being done by Carnegie Museum of Natural History scientists.

Lord of the Crane Flies
Through October 10
3rd Floor Exhibition Foyer

This exhibition focuses on Invertebrate Zoologist Chen Young's nearly 30 years of work on crane flies. Exhibition includes photographs, illustrations, specimens and video all about crane flies—what they are, where they live, how they are collected and studied, and why they are an important part of the planet we share.

Photo: Pedicia albivitta by Donna Race

Western Pennsylvania Geology Series
For more information, contact Albert D. Kollar, Geologist/Collection Manager, at kollara@carnegiemnh.org or 412.622.5513.

September 14
The Landscapes of Squirrel Hill, Frick Park, and Schenley Park: Geology Underlies It All
Squirrel Hill Historical Society
7:30 p.m.

Pittsburgh Adorned: Classic to Contemporary
Last day: October 17
Wertz Gallery: Gems & Jewelry in Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems

More than 80 exquisite pieces from local private collections and Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History celebrate the many passions—including love, status, and even politics—that jewelry evokes. The exhibition explores design trends of the past 200 years and features works by Alexander Calder, Barry Kieselstein-Cord, and David Webb, as well as contemporary local designers ROY and Ronald McNeish. Orr's Jewelers, presenting sponsor. Additional support from Rodgers Insurance Group and Fireman's Fund Insurance Company.

Life: A Journey Through Time
Through January 9, 2011
R.P. Simmons Family Gallery, Third Floor

Frans Lanting’s epic photographic project Life: A Journey Through Time interprets the story of life on Earth, from the first single-celled organisms to today’s vast array of life forms. The exhibition’s 64 stunning images, guided by recent scientific insights, range from primordial landscapes to microscopic specimens in museum collections. Lanting provides an inspiring view of the powerful yet delicate interplay among Earth and its inhabitants, from earliest history until now.

Population Impact
New permanent exhibition

What part do humans play on ecosystems? What part do ecosystems play on humans? Population Impact focuses on populations—of humans, plants, and other animals—and regional and global ecosystems: how they are endlessly connected, and how they are affected by human decisions on the use of resources. Explore the current topics of human population growth, tree cloning, biodiversity, and more through specimens, photographs, text, and graphic elements, with a special focus on the research being done by Carnegie Museum of Natural History scientists.

Lord of the Crane Flies
Last day: October 10
3rd Floor Exhibition Foyer

This exhibition focuses on Invertebrate Zoologist Chen Young's nearly 30 years of work on crane flies. Exhibition includes photographs, illustrations, specimens and video all about crane flies—what they are, where they live, how they are collected and studied, and why they are an important part of the planet we share.

Photo: Pedicia albivitta by Donna Race

Western Pennsylvania Geology Series
For more information, contact Albert D. Kollar, Geologist/Collection Manager, at kollara@carnegiemnh.org or 412.622.5513.

October 16
Carnegie Discoverers Geology Field Trip
Moon Township, PA

Life: A Journey Through Time
Through January 9, 2011
R.P. Simmons Family Gallery, Third Floor

Frans Lanting’s epic photographic project Life: A Journey Through Time interprets the story of life on Earth, from the first single-celled organisms to today’s vast array of life forms. The exhibition’s 64 stunning images, guided by recent scientific insights, range from primordial landscapes to microscopic specimens in museum collections. Lanting provides an inspiring view of the powerful yet delicate interplay among Earth and its inhabitants, from earliest history until now.

Western Pennsylvania Geology Series
For more information, contact Albert D. Kollar, Geologist/Collection Manager, at kollara@carnegiemnh.org or 412.622.5513.

November 7
Geology of Frick Park
Hike, Nine Mile Run Watershed, Frick Park, 1–3:30 p.m.

Population Impact
New permanent exhibition

What part do humans play on ecosystems? What part do ecosystems play on humans? Population Impact focuses on populations—of humans, plants, and other animals—and regional and global ecosystems: how they are endlessly connected, and how they are affected by human decisions on the use of resources. Explore the current topics of human population growth, tree cloning, biodiversity, and more through specimens, photographs, text, and graphic elements, with a special focus on the research being done by Carnegie Museum of Natural History scientists.

Life: A Journey Through Time
Through January 9, 2011
R.P. Simmons Family Gallery, Third Floor

Frans Lanting’s epic photographic project Life: A Journey Through Time interprets the story of life on Earth, from the first single-celled organisms to today’s vast array of life forms. The exhibition’s 64 stunning images, guided by recent scientific insights, range from primordial landscapes to microscopic specimens in museum collections. Lanting provides an inspiring view of the powerful yet delicate interplay among Earth and its inhabitants, from earliest history until now.

Free Family Activities

Free with museum admission. Check at any Information desk for a list of the day's events!

Population Impact
New permanent exhibition

What part do humans play on ecosystems? What part do ecosystems play on humans? Population Impact focuses on populations—of humans, plants, and other animals—and regional and global ecosystems: how they are endlessly connected, and how they are affected by human decisions on the use of resources. Explore the current topics of human population growth, tree cloning, biodiversity, and more through specimens, photographs, text, and graphic elements, with a special focus on the research being done by Carnegie Museum of Natural History scientists.