Past Events
The Adventures of Lewis Lindsay Dyche and the Advent of Kansas Conservation
Perhaps no one has had as great an influence on the KU Natural History Museum as did Lewis Lindsay Dyche. Larger than life, he was a driving force in the establishment of the museum, a witness in the Peary-Cook race to the North Pole, creator of the popular wildlife panorama of the 1893 World's Fair, and a pioneer in laws for wildlife conservation. For one evening only in the Commons in Spooner Hall, the museum and the Kansas Memorial Union will revisit the life of Lewis Lindsay Dyche through a lecture by historian Bill Sharp and interpret Dyche's influence through actor Chris Roady.
A book signing and coffee reception will follow. The event will be preceded by an exhibition opening at the museum for museum members.
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Date/Time Sunday, November 4, 2012 - 7:00pm - 9:00pmExhibit opening: L. L. Dyche's "Magic Lantern" Revisited
On display from November 2012 until April 2013, the exhibition "L. L. Dyche's Magic Lantern Revisted," will open with a reception for museum members and future members on Nov. 4 prior to a public lecture and performance at the Commons. The museum requests that guests who would like to attend the exhibition opening RSVP by 5 p.m. Oct. 31; call 785.864.4450.
Lewis Lindsay Dyche thrilled audiences from small towns in Kansas to Chicago to New York, first with his skill in natural history displays and later with grand lectures about his adventures. Many of the glass slides that he displayed in his "magic lantern" talks, as well as many more detailing his taxidermic process, have not been seen by the public in more than 100 years and will be featured in this exhibition.
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Date/Time Sunday, November 4, 2012 - 6:00pm - 7:00pmFilm Screening: GasLand (2010)
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Date/Time Tuesday, October 23, 2012 - 7:00pm - 9:00pmFilm Screening & Discussion: Truthland (2012)
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Date/Time Thursday, October 18, 2012 - 5:30pm - 9:00pmDrop-in and Draw: mammal skulls
We’ll provide the skulls, and you provide the creativity. Sketch your favorite skulls from our new mammals exhibit opening in October or get a close look at skulls displayed specifically for this drop-in event.
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Date/Time Thursday, October 18, 2012 - 5:00pm - 7:30pmDark Matter, Dark Energy and the Expanding Universe
A Science on Tap EventMore than a decade after the Nobel-prize-winning discovery about the accelerating expansion of the universe, scientists are still trying to pin down exactly what dark energy is and solve one of the most profound questions in modern physics. This mysterious force repels gravity and is estimated to account for about 70 percent of the substance of the universe. For this Science on Tap, Bharat Ratra of Kansas State University will discuss dark matter, dark energy, and how scientists understand these components of the ever-expanding universe.
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Date/Time Tuesday, October 16, 2012 - 7:30pm - 9:00pmScience Saturday: National Fossil Day
Celebrate National Fossil day by casting fossils and learning about vertebrate and invertebrate fossils with our paleontology staff. Take a tour of the Vertebrate Paleontology Preparation Lab and learn about opportunities to volunteer in the lab. This event is the first in the Science Saturdays series, a program of monthly family drop-in events at the museum.
Please note: Because of the KU football game Saturday, parking near the museum will be very limited. We recommend two options: take the Lawrence T bus #11 ( see route information here.) that drops off in front of the Kansas Union next door, or, you can park at the parking garage by Allen Fieldhouse and walk to the museum.
Make National Fossil Day a part of your KU plans Saturday!
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Date/Time Saturday, October 13, 2012 - 1:00pm - 3:00pmStill Life: Stuffed, Pickled and Presented
A part of Lawrence Nerd NiteThe October Nerd Nite includes the KU Natural History Museum's Bruce Scherting, director of exhibits, who oversaw the restoration and new exhibit created for display of the horse Comanche. Nerd Nite is a monthly lecture event featuring three speakers in succession and hosted by Pachamama's, located at 800 New Hampshire St.. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the talks begin at 8 p.m. Seating is limited to the first 90 people.
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Date/Time Wednesday, October 10, 2012 - 8:00pm - 10:00pmCampus Art Walk 2012
Kick off the 2012 KU Campus Art Walk at the Natural History Museum: explore campus art, architecture and KU lore with Ted Johnson, professor emeritus of French, in front of the museum.
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Date/Time Friday, September 28, 2012 - 1:30pm - 2:00pmSaving Species: the critical role of zoos and aquariums
A Science on Tap EventZoos have changed over time from the simple menageries of European royalty to the complex conservation and education centers they are today. While many people visit zoos and aquariums to see and interact with exotic animals from faraway places, increasingly zoos and aquariums are becoming critical partners in species and ecosystem conservation efforts. For this Science on Tap, Geoff Hall from the Kansas City Zoo will lead a conversation about the changing roles of zoos and aquariums and how each of us can make a difference for wildlife around the world.
