Timely lectures, primeval marine life & MORe to discover
A typically bustling Hager Auditorium has been closed to lecture-goers since the onset of COVID-19, but Museum of the Rockies continues to host virtual talks for interested members and others. MOR joins forces with the Smithsonian National Museum of American History to keep the discussion going in these isolating times.
This engaging series of panels offer perspective on the current pandemic. Curators and historians use important objects from the past as a springboard to a lively discussion of how critical explorations of the past help us to better understand the present.
Next up is “Race & Place: Yellow Fever & the Free African Society in Philadelphia” on Tuesday, February 2nd at 2pm. The hourlong lecture will feature panelists Billy Smith, PhD, Montana State University; David Barnes, PhD, University of Pennsylvania; and Vanessa Northington Gamble, PhD, M.D., George Washington University.
“Essential Workers: Prestige Versus Pay” follows on Tuesday, February 16th at 2pm. Panelists include Peter Liebhold, National Museum of American History; Molly Kinder, Brookings Institute; and Jacob Remes, New York University, Gallatin.
Moderating each lecture is Alexandra Lord, PhD, from the National Museum of American History. Free for museum members, find the Zoom Registration Links through the MOR website.
Savage Ancient Seas, Museum of the Rockies’ newest changing exhibition, is now open. Walk beneath what must be the fossil version of the Loch Ness Monster; a 42-foot-long Elasmosaurus. Dive into an ancient underwater world 70 million years ago when carnivorous fish and giant sea reptiles swam a vast, shallow sea spanning North America. See more than 50 prehistoric marine skeletons, many on display for the first time in Montana! While dinosaurs ruled the land, these strange, spectacular creatures ruled the sea.
In partnership with Triebold Paleontology, Inc., MOR creates an ancient underwater environment where visitors will experience enormous, vicious sea monsters of the Cretaceous Period. The exhibition includes numerous prehistoric marine fossils, both cast and real specimens, mounted in extraordinary three-dimensional displays. The skeletons are mounted dramatically, many suspended from the ceiling above, immersing visitors inside a fearsome ancient ecosystem.
Finally, MOR’s Taylor Planetarium continues to host showings in a limited capacity. Wonders of the Universe and VOYAGER: The Never-Ending Journey are now playing multiple times daily. Planetarium shows are included with Museum admission. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please note: Because admittance is limited, MOR encourages visitors to make advance reservations. Walk-ins admitted if availability allows. Face-coverings are required for entry.
MOR is now open from 9am–4pm daily. For more information about featured exhibits, membership details and to make a reservation, visit www.museumoftherockies.org. •
