The Many Uses of Museum Collections

Why is it important to collect and preserve so many dead animals? How have specimens been utilized to answer scientific questions? From diet to DNA, come and learn about how museum collections are used to understand our world. Natural history museum collections–truly, where dead things come alive!

Rows of bird specimens

Specimen preparation- As always, our Collections Manager will be turning dead animals into museum specimens. You will be able to ask questions and get hands-on with his dissections and preparations!

Tacoma Nature Center- Naturalists will be present to showcase the educational value of specimens- for kids and adults alike!

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

Kid's craft- Make your own scientific sketch of a museum specimen!

Guest researchers - Talk to some University of Puget Sound students who have used Museum specimens in their own research projects, and learn what they discovered!

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

Join us March 23rd, 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. See Directions to Thompson Hall.