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Ocean Topics Cart Chat

Ongoing Tours & Activities Looking for a deeper dive into ocean topics? Come and find one of our Ocean Educators to explore some of the latest discoveries in marine science, stationed at an interactive cart in the Sant Ocean Hall. Image Credit:  Phillip R. Lee, Smithsonian Institution. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature. Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

Hidden Treasures: Recovering Critical Minerals from Metal Mining and Wastes

One-Time Events We use critical minerals every day in technologies such as cell phones or solar panels. Some of these minerals are extremely hard to find in nature because they do not concentrate in ore deposits. Come talk to research chemist Sarah Hayes from the US Geological Survey, and ask her about recovering critical minerals as byproducts of gold, copper, or zinc mines. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 2nd Floor, Cellphone Exhibition Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Museum Level Featured Event. Topics: Science & Nature. Technology & Innovation. Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM.

Early Human Coexistence 1.5 Million Years Ago

One-Time Events While fossils of different early human species are sometimes found at the same sites, it has been hard for paleoanthropologists to show that they actually co-occurred in "ecological time" - in the same environments at the same time.  A unique discovery of fossil footprints along an ancient lake margin in northern Kenya offers the first direct evidence of two different species, Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei, walking on the same lakeshore about 1.5 million years ago. Kay Behrensmeyer, Curator of Paleobiology at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and one of the lead scientists working on these footprints, will present this recent discovery. Moderator: Briana Pobiner, paleoanthropologist and educator at Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. This program is part of the ongoing HOT (Human Origins Today) Topics series and will be presented as a Zoom video webinar. A link will be emailed to all registrants.   Image credit: Kevin Hatala, Image caption: One of the… Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Online; Internet connection required. Cost: Free; Registration Required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/31234965/early-human-coexistence-15-million-years-ago-washington-national-museum-of-natural-history. Categories: Webcasts & Online. Accessibility: Captioning. Featured Event: Museum Level Featured Event. Central OPA use ONLY. Topics: Science & Nature. Thursday, March 26, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM. For more info visit www.etix.com.

Q?rius Open Late: Botany Specimen Preparation - March

One-Time Events The doors are open in Q?rius, the Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center! Once a month, we’re welcoming you to explore the space from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, even after the rest of the museum is closed. All ages are welcome. As an added bonus, the NMNH botany department will be hosting a botany collections specimen mounting pop-up in February, March and April. Ages 15 and up are welcome to participate with adult supervision. Registration is free and encouraged. Space is filled by a first come first served basis. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, National Museum of Natural History (Ground floor). Cost: Free; registration is required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/97079561/qrius-open-latebotany-specimen-preparation-washington-national-museum-of-natural-history. Categories: After Five. Event Group: Earth Month Every Month. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Museum Level Featured Event. Central OPA use ONLY. Topics: Science & Nature. Friday, March 27, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. For more info visit www.etix.com.

American Bison Cart Chat

Ongoing Tours & Activities Join educators in the Kenneth E. Behring Family Hall of Mammals to discover more about the Nation's Mammal - the American Bison. Learn how these fascinating animals alter their ecosystem in ways that benefit other animals and their habitat, as well as their importance to humans.  Image by Jean Beaufort, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=83971372. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: First floor, Kenneth E. Behring Family Hall of Mammals. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature. Sunday, March 29, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

Play Date at NMNH: Nature Explorations

One-Time Events Join us on Tuesdays for special family play dates with museum educators! This Tuesday is all about exploring your connection with nature! This Play Date is designed around the theme of your family's connections to nature and the nature around you. Make a nature journal, see specimens that you might find out in our pollinator garden, and much more!  The event is part of our drop-in program, Play Date at NMNH. Play Date at NMNH is a program designed for early learners aged 0-5 and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages are welcome. Location: This program is held in Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, on the Ground Floor of the museum. Please enter through the Constitution Avenue entrance. Q?rius is located on the right as you enter the museum.  Accessibility: Access services such as American Sign Language interpretation, real-time captioning (CART), or audio-description are available with advanced notice. However, accommodations… Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center (Ground Floor). Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature. Tuesday, March 31, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.

Welcome the Bison – the Nation’s Mammal

One-Time Events You’re invited! Join us as we celebrate the arrival of two bigger-than-life bison bronze statues and discover why the bison story is so uniquely American. View the new bronze statues installed at the museum’s National Mall entrance and then head into the Q?rius Education Center to learn more about their significance. Meet experts who work with and for bison and explore different bison activities, specimens, and more. Photo credit: Sarah Johnson. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Ground Floor, Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Celebrations. Event Group: 250 Our Shared Future. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Central OPA use ONLY. Topics: Science & Nature. Thursday, April 2, 2026, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

American Bison Cart Chat

Ongoing Tours & Activities Join educators in the Kenneth E. Behring Family Hall of Mammals to discover more about the Nation's Mammal - the American Bison. Learn how these fascinating animals alter their ecosystem in ways that benefit other animals and their habitat, as well as their importance to humans.  Image by Jean Beaufort, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=83971372 . Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: First floor, Kenneth E. Behring Family Hall of Mammals. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature. Sunday, April 5, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

How to Chase a Chimpanzee, and Other Tales from the Field

One-Time Events Ever wonder what it's like to live with chimpanzees in the wild? What do chimps do in their daily lives, and how do scientists learn more about them, and our own origins? Come chat with Abby McClain and Sims Patton, PhD candidates from The George Washington University, to learn about their research and what it's like to be a real-life Jane Goodall! Ask them about their field experiences, see the equipment they use, and practice your own observation skills along the way! Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, Hall of Human Origins. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Central OPA use ONLY. Topics: Science & Nature. Friday, April 10, 2026, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.

Ocean Topics Cart Chat

Ongoing Tours & Activities Looking for a deeper dive into ocean topics? Come and find one of our Ocean Educators to explore some of the latest discoveries in marine science, stationed at an interactive cart in the Sant Ocean Hall. Image Credit: Phillip R. Lee, Smithsonian Institution. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature. Sunday, April 12, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

Science on a Sphere

Ongoing Tours & Activities Come explore our blue planet with NMNH Ocean Educators. Through NOAA’s Science on a Sphere technology, you’ll encounter a series of interactive visualizations projected on the Sant Ocean Hall’s giant globe. Watch sea turtles migrate coast to coast, track ships through global waters in real-time, explore the changing climate patterns shaping our planet, and much more! Photo credit: Jennifer Renteria, Smithsonian Institution. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature. Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

Behind the Science: April

One-Time Events Save the date for Behind the Science: April! Speaker and topic to be announced.   ---------------- About the Series: Behind the Science A monthly after-hours series featuring NMNH scientists and researchers, Each month, join the National Museum of Natural History for the new series, Behind the Science, where NMNH researchers share insights into their latest discoveries and explore the fascinating questions driving their work—from the origins of life to the future of our planet. Come learn what’s happening behind the scenes and how science shapes our understanding of the natural world. Programs take place in Q?rius, the Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center. Topics and speakers announced on a rolling basis, but save the dates now! Upcoming Dates: Jan 26: rescheduled due to weather Feb 10: Conrad Labandeira, Paleobiologist, Mar 10: Briana Pobiner, paleoanthropologist, Apr. 14: TBA May 11: TBA Jun. 9: TBA Jul. 14: TBA Aug. 11: TBA Sep. 15: TBA Oct. 13: TBA Nov. 10: TBA Dec. 8: TBA. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: National Museum of Natural History (Ground Floor). Cost: Free; registration is required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/70749438/behind-the-scienceapril-washington-national-museum-of-natural-history. Categories: After Five. Lectures & Discussions. Event Group: Earth Month Every Month. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Museum Level Featured Event. Central OPA use ONLY. Topics: Science & Nature. Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:15 PM. For more info visit www.etix.com.

The Wood Age: How Were the Earliest Hunting Weapons Made and Used?

One-Time Events While stone tools have defined prehistory, early humans also crafted sophisticated wooden tools, including hunting weapons. University of Reading Lecturer in Archaeology Annemieke Milks will explore how the world’s oldest known spears and throwing sticks were made, used, and understood through cutting-edge techniques such as 3D microscopy, microCT scanning and experimental use. Milks outlines how new analyses, new finds, and restudy of old finds are reshaping debates about early technologies and behaviors. Together, these discoveries reveal that early weaponry was not just technological innovation, but part of a deeply social story about cooperation, skill, and what it meant to be human. Moderator: Briana Pobiner, paleoanthropologist and educator at Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. This program is part of the ongoing HOT (Human Origins Today) Topics series and will be presented as a Zoom video webinar. A link will be emailed to all registrants.   Image credit: Photo: MINKUSIMAGES.… Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Online; Internet connection required. Cost: Free; Registration Required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/41081627/the-wood-agehow-were-the-earliest-hunting-weapons-made-and-used-washington-national-museum-of-natural-history. Categories: Webcasts & Online. Accessibility: Captioning. Featured Event: Museum Level Featured Event. Central OPA use ONLY. Topics: Science & Nature. Thursday, April 16, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM. For more info visit www.etix.com.

Ocean Topics Cart Chat

Ongoing Tours & Activities Looking for a deeper dive into ocean topics? Come and find one of our Ocean Educators to explore some of the latest discoveries in marine science, stationed at an interactive cart in the Sant Ocean Hall. Image Credit: Phillip R. Lee, Smithsonian Institution. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature. Sunday, April 19, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

Coral Reef Tank Talk

Ongoing Tours & Activities Swim by the Sant Ocean Hall to meet some of the coral reef species that call the Smithsonian NMNH home! Hosted by an Ocean Educator, this interactive cart experience will walk you through the world of saltwater fish, coral colonies, and invertebrates galore! Image Credit:  Phillip R. Lee, Smithsonian Institution. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature. Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

Q?rius Open Late: Botany Specimen Preparation - April

One-Time Events The doors are open in Q?rius, the Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center! Once a month, we’re welcoming you to explore the space from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, even after the rest of the museum is closed. All ages are welcome. As an added bonus, the NMNH botany department will be hosting a botany collections specimen mounting pop-up in February, March and April. Ages 15 and up are welcome to participate with adult supervision. Registration is free and encouraged. Space is filled by a first come first served basis. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, National Museum of Natural History (Ground floor). Cost: Free; registration is required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/49016333/qrius-open-latebotany-specimen-preparation-april-washington-national-museum-of-natural-history. Categories: After Five. Event Group: Earth Month Every Month. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Museum Level Featured Event. Central OPA use ONLY. Topics: Science & Nature. Friday, April 24, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. For more info visit www.etix.com.

American Bison Cart Chat

Ongoing Tours & Activities Join educators in the Kenneth E. Behring Family Hall of Mammals to discover more about the Nation's Mammal - the American Bison. Learn how these fascinating animals alter their ecosystem in ways that benefit other animals and their habitat, as well as their importance to humans.  Image by Jean Beaufort, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=83971372 . Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: First floor, Kenneth E. Behring Family Hall of Mammals. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature. Sunday, April 26, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

Coral Reef Tank Talk

Ongoing Tours & Activities Swim by the Sant Ocean Hall to meet some of the coral reef species that call the Smithsonian NMNH home! Hosted by an Ocean Educator, this interactive cart experience will walk you through the world of saltwater fish, coral colonies, and invertebrates galore! Image Credit:  Phillip R. Lee, Smithsonian Institution. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature. Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

An Evening With Elizabeth Hargrave: Sanibel Board Game Night

One-Time Events From the maker of the viral board game Wingspan comes Sanibel, a cozy meditative game inspired by summer days on the beach hunting for shells. Join us for an after-hours event at the National Museum of Natural History celebrating our upcoming exhibit From These Lands: Sharing Our Natural and Cultural Heritage opening June 2026. We’ll feature a conversation with NMNH experts and game designer Elizabeth Hargrave, access to Sant Ocean Hall, and a chance to play the new game. NMNH paleobiologist Stewart Edie will moderate a discussion between Hargrave and NMNH research zoologist Chris Meyer about place-based affinity for nature, the art and science of collecting, and the biodiversity of marine ecosystems along America’s coastlines. After the conversation, stick around to enjoy exclusive after-hours access to Sant Ocean Hall and play Sanibel – beginners and enthusiasts welcome. Hargrave will give a quick explanation of the game and local game shop Labyrinth Games will help with set up and instruction. Copies of… Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: National Museum of Natural History (Ground Floor). Cost: Free; registration is required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/48083031/an-evening-with-elizabeth-hargravesanibel-board-game-night-washington-national-museum-of-natural-history. Categories: After Five. Lectures & Discussions. Shopping/Book Signing. Event Group: Earth Month Every Month. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Museum Level Featured Event. Central OPA use ONLY. Topics: Science & Nature. Thursday, April 30, 2026, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM. For more info visit www.etix.com.

The World and Me: Amphibian Week Kickoff Celebration with USGS and Friends!

One-Time Events Learn more about your place in the world through explorations of nature and culture. Come celebrate Amphibian Week with a special kickoff event at The World & Me inside Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center! Join us Saturday, May 2nd, as we learn about amphibians with our friends from the US Geological Survey and more! Families with learners of all ages will be invited to explore different stations, see live amphibians, and explore play, art, and related museum collections.  This is a drop-in event. Families can drop in anytime from 10:00am - 12:30pm and stay for as long as your family would like. No registration is required. Cost: Free. Location: Meet at the entrace of Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, on the Ground Floor of the museum. Q?rius is located next to the Constitution Avenue entrance. Accessibility: Access services such as American Sign Language interpretation, real-time captioning (CART), or audio-description are available with advanced notice.… Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, Ground Floor. Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Event Group: Earth Month Every Month. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Central OPA use ONLY. Topics: Science & Nature. Saturday, May 2, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM.

Behind the Science: May

One-Time Events Save the date for Behind the Science: May! Speaker and topic to be announced.   ---------------- About the Series: Behind the Science A monthly after-hours series featuring NMNH scientists and researchers, Each month, join the National Museum of Natural History for the new series, Behind the Science, where NMNH researchers share insights into their latest discoveries and explore the fascinating questions driving their work—from the origins of life to the future of our planet. Come learn what’s happening behind the scenes and how science shapes our understanding of the natural world. Programs take place in Q?rius, the Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center. Topics and speakers announced on a rolling basis, but save the dates now! Upcoming Dates: Jan 26: rescheduled due to weather Feb 10: Conrad Labandeira, Paleobiologist, Mar 10: Briana Pobiner, paleoanthropologist, Apr. 14: TBA May 11: TBA Jun. 9: TBA Jul. 14: TBA Aug. 11: TBA Sep. 15: TBA Oct. 13: TBA Nov. 10: TBA Dec. 8: TBA. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: National Museum of Natural History (Ground Floor). Cost: Free; registration is required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/49070005/behind-the-sciencemay-washington-national-museum-of-natural-history. Categories: After Five. Lectures & Discussions. Event Group: Earth Month Every Month. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Museum Level Featured Event. Central OPA use ONLY. Topics: Science & Nature. Monday, May 11, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:15 PM. For more info visit www.etix.com.

Behind the Science: June

One-Time Events Save the date for Behind the Science: June! Speaker and topic to be announced.   ---------------- About the Series: Behind the Science A monthly after-hours series featuring NMNH scientists and researchers, Each month, join the National Museum of Natural History for the new series, Behind the Science, where NMNH researchers share insights into their latest discoveries and explore the fascinating questions driving their work—from the origins of life to the future of our planet. Come learn what’s happening behind the scenes and how science shapes our understanding of the natural world. Programs take place in Q?rius, the Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center. Topics and speakers announced on a rolling basis, but save the dates now! Upcoming Dates: Jan 26: rescheduled due to weather Feb 10: Conrad Labandeira, Paleobiologist, Mar 10: Briana Pobiner, paleoanthropologist, Apr. 14: TBA May 11: TBA Jun. 9: TBA Jul. 14: TBA Aug. 11: TBA Sep. 15: TBA Oct. 13: TBA Nov. 10: TBA Dec. 8: TBA. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: National Museum of Natural History (Ground Floor). Cost: Free; registration is required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/61682548/behind-the-sciencejune-washington-national-museum-of-natural-history. Categories: After Five. Lectures & Discussions. Event Group: Earth Month Every Month. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Museum Level Featured Event. Central OPA use ONLY. Topics: Science & Nature. Tuesday, June 9, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:15 PM. For more info visit www.etix.com.