MOR unearths paleontology lecture series, volcanic Yellowstone update
Museum of the Rockies has turned its calendar to a new year, returning to business as usual with regular public events to accompany its many exhibits. Here’s a look at some upcoming happenings at our neighborhood museum.
The first in the “Presenting Prehistory: Paleontology Speaker Series” will take place Wednesday, January 8th. MOR’s John R. Horner Curator of Paleontology Dr. John Scannella will present at 6pm.
Discoveries made by paleontologists continue to shed new light on the deep past of the planet and the creatures that arose here. This series explores recent findings and current hypotheses as conveyed by scientists who are actively exploring how life on Earth has changed through time and what the fossils of extinct organisms can teach us about the world today.
The next Science Inquiry Lecture, “The Yellowstone Volcano: News from the Front,” is set for Wednesday, January 15th. The presentation will begin at 7pm.
What does front line research tell us about the current state of the immense volcano that makes up much of Yellowstone National Park? Dr. Michael Poland, Scientist-in-Charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, will discuss the geologic hazards of the Yellowstone region, activity that has been recorded in 2019, and recent research into how the Yellowstone volcanic system works.
On Thursday, January 16th, the Extreme History Project Lecture series continues with “The Sort Who Make Good Citizens: Empire, An African American Community in Wyoming, 1908–1920” at 6pm. Further program information TBA.
Please note: All held in Hager Auditorium, public lectures have a limited capacity and are free of admission on a first come, first served basis. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each. Attendees may not save seats for others.
And later this month, a scaly new exhibit! Reptiles: The Beautiful and the Deadly opens January 25th. Reptiles have enduring appeal, and this interactive zoological exhibition will bring you eye to eye with living species from around the world. Deadly snakes, colorful lizards, unusual turtles and rugged crocodilians are exhibited in naturalistic habitats. You can “milk” a viper, learn to speak croc in under five minutes, and test your knowledge with “Turtle Trivia” or “Lizard Wizard.” An experienced zoo professional remains with the exhibit to care for the living collection. Members: join for an exclusive preview reception from 5:30–7pm on Jan. 24th to check out the new exhibit before it opens to the public!
For more information about these events and the Museum exhibits, visit www.museumoftherockies.org. •
