Press Release
Florida Museum receives $5,000 Smithsonian grant
For Immediate Release Oct. 7, 2005
Contact:
Paul Ramey, Dir. of Marketing and Public Relations
Florida Museum of Natural History
(352) 846-2000, ext. 218, pramey@ufl.edu
Writer: Emily Banks
GAINESVILLE, Fla. --- The Florida Museum of Natural History has received a $5,000 grant from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. The grant will assist the Florida Museum with the production of two free public events and an interactive discovery cart for the "In Search of Giant Squid" exhibition, which opened Sept. 24 and runs through Jan. 2, 2006.
"This is an exceptional opportunity to increase audience understanding and interaction in our exhibits," said Jamie Creola, Florida Museum education program director. "The grant enables us to offer expert speakers and hands-on activities to enhance our visitors' experiences."
The Smithsonian administers the Smithsonian Community Grants program with a $250,000 grant from MetLife Foundation. The program is open to all exhibitors hosting a Smithsonian exhibition and aims to enhance current program offerings or create a new related program.
The grant supported opening day activities and also will help fund the Oct. 13 "Museum Nights" program. The program includes a lecture by David Pawson, a "Science Movie Night" presentation of "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea," an "Oh, So Squidly" fashion show and discovery cart demonstrations and activities with museum staff.
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The Florida Museum of Natural History is Florida's state natural history museum, dedicated to understanding, preserving and interpreting biological diversity and cultural heritage. It is located near the intersection of Southwest 34th Street and Hull Road in the University of Florida Cultural Plaza in Gainesville. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. The Florida Museum is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Butterfly Rainforest admission is $7.50 for adults and $4.50 for children ages 3-12. For more information, including directions and parking information, call (352) 846-2000, or visit the museum online, www.flmnh.ufl.edu.