A Valentine's Day edition of our annual celebration of Charles Darwin's birthday!

Why do male deer have such large antlers? Why is that tropical bird doing a funny dance? As we celebrate Valentine's Day at the same time as the Father of Evolution's birthday, the museum will be showcasing mating and reproduction in the wild. Join us and learn about some of the weirdest and coolest secrets of sexual selection!*

Darwin's Birthday Bash event poster

Specimen preparation- As always, our Collections Manager and skinners will be turning dead animals into museum specimens. Ask questions and get hands-on with his dissections and preparations! Note that our skinners will now be stationed in room 297 instead of the prep lab.

Live animals- Get up close and personal with some special guests from the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium!

Guest speaker- Learn about Charles Darwin's life and discoveries from Kristin Johnson, UPS Associate Professor of Science, Technology, and Society!

Kid's craft- Construct and decorate a male peacock displaying its tail! Note that the kid's craft has been relocated to room 283.

And because this is a birthday celebration, cake will be provided!

This is a free, family-friendly, drop-in event.

*Please note that mature subject matter and specimens such as bacula (mammal penis bones) will be present. That being said, we will have activities and discussions for all ages!

Join us February 15th, from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at the University of Puget Sound Campus (located at 1500 N Warner St, Tacoma, WA 98416) in Thompson Hall room 295. Directions to Thompson Hall can be found here.

RSVP on Facebook!