Fun Events for Everyone
Collectors Day
Saturday, Jan. 5 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Come experience the 29th Annual Collectors Day, the Florida Museum of Natural History's longest-running public program. This event
features personal collections from corkscrews and antique cars to sports and war memorabilia. Visit with local collectors and discover
that you don't have to be a scientist to love collecting. For more information call (352) 273-2061.
Public Exhibit Opening — Inside Africa
Saturday, March 15 | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Inside Africa transports museum-goers to the African experience, allowing them to discover firsthand the vitality, richness and significance of Africa and its peoples. Based on a permanent exhibition at the Field Museum in Chicago, the exhibit explores the enormous diversity of African geography, societies and political systems, and also provides a bridge to contemporary American life. Visitors journey to selected sites on the African continent and learn about topics such as "Family and Festivals," "Science Safari," "Commerce," "Caravan," and "The Diaspora and Slavery." The exhibit also examines the concept of "Freedom" in its many forms, from the perspective of many voices. Enjoy hands-on activities, multimedia presentations and a wide range of African artifacts that bring the story to life. Admission is $6.50 for adults, $5.50 for Florida residents, seniors & students, $4 for ages 3-12, and Museum members are admitted FREE!
Opening Day Activities
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Explore the amazing culture and beauty of Africa during this fun-filled day! Be among the first to enjoy Inside Africa. Learn how this diverse continent has helped shape modern music and dance with presentations from local schools. Create Africa-inspired art and crafts or test your geography skills and knowledge of the continent with games and other activities.
Earth Day
Saturday, April 19 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Enjoy live dance performances, games and eco-friendly craft activities hosted at the Florida Museum and the
Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art. Discover Florida's diverse ecology and help launch the environmental
education CD-ROM produced by the Florida Defenders of the Environment. The launch will feature presentations by local artists featured
on the CD! Celebrate the Earth as we learn about local conservation efforts and the history of environmentalism.
Trash or Trees?
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Create rainforest trees and creatures with recycled materials.
Located in the Florida Museum of Natural History, Central Gallery
Nature Trails
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Enjoy exploring natural trails with your family at The Natural Area Teaching Laboratory, dedicated to teaching students and
the public about ecology and biotic diversity! Please view a brochure and map at the Harn Museum of Art.
Located on 60-acre tract in the southwest corner of the University of Florida campus; accessible from the
Florida Museum of Natural History and Natural Area Park
"Voices & Visions: An Artistic Celebration of North Central Florida's Natural Wonders"
10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Premier hosted by Steve Robitaille. Presenters include photographer John Moran, poet Lola Haskins, singer/songwriters
Cathy DeWitt and Patchwork, singer/songwriter Dale Crider and author Cynthia Barnett of "Mirage," discussing water issues.
Ellie Blair will give a painting demonstration during the presentations.
Located in the Harn Museum of Art, Chandler Auditorium
Talking Tales
11:30 a.m.
Located in the Florida Museum of Natural History, Discovery Room
Kanapaha Celtic Music Group
12 - 1 p.m.
Kanapaha Celtic Trio plays traditional Celtic music from Ireland and Scotland, celebrating nature and love for the land. Featuring
Cheryl Valantis on harp and bouzouki; Ed Regan on guitar; and Greg Mead on whistles and recorders.
Located in the Harn Museum of Art, Galleria
"Voices & Visions" Highlight
1 p.m.
Located in the Florida Museum of Natural History, Central Gallery
Transforming Recycled Materials into Sculptures Family Day
1 - 4 p.m.
Join award-winning artists from Trashformations 2008, Jennifer Duerden and Ryan Tanay, and create your own robot and
bird sculptures from recycled materials.
Located in the Harn Museum of Art, Goforth Learning Center classrooms
Dr. Discovery
2 - 2:30 p.m.
Join Gainesville Regional Utilities for a child-friendly presentation on energy conservation.
Located in the Florida Museum of Natural History, Discovery Room
Booth Participants:
Harn Museum of Art
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Florida Native Plant Society Paynes Prairie
Friends of Paynes Prairie
Alachua County Public Works Office of Waste Management
Alachua Audubon Society
Trashformations Mini-Exhibit
Florida Museum of Natural History
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Lubee Bat Conservancy
Golder Mobile Ecolab
Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission
Florida Trail Association
Alachua County Public Words Office of Waste Management
Watershed Action Volunteers
Gainesville Regional Utilities
Singing Tales
Saturday, May 10
11 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Florida Museum
2 - 3 p.m. at the Tower Road Branch Library, 3020 SW 75th Street
Join celebrated West African griot (storyteller) Papa Susso for an afternoon of traditional music. Experience the rhythmic melody of the kora, the twelve-string instrument featured in the Inside Africa exhibit. This program is cosponsored by the Florida Museum and Alachua County Friends of the Library.
Living Exhibit
Saturdays - June 21, July 19 & Aug. 16 | 2 p.m.
Enjoy as our newest temporary exhibit Inside Africa comes to life. These special talks will be held inside the exhibit.
Toys photo by Tammy Johnson. Tree planting photo courtesy of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.