HMNS Museum News Jan/Feb 2017

news JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017 VOLUME 22, NUMBER 1 w w w. h m n s . o r g

PREMIERES FEBRUARY 17 IN THE WORTHAM GIANT SCREEN THEATRE

Save these Dates!

You asked, and we answered.

After Dark is back for 2017!

January 25 February 22 March 29 April 26 May 31 June 28 July 26 August 23 September 27 October 24 November 22 December 27

HMNS AFTER DARK • NEW MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Special exhibitions, permanent halls, Cockrell Butterfly Center, Wortham Giant Screen Theatre and Burke Baker Planetarium—the entire Museum will stay open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. one night each month.

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Take a stroll, catch a flick and enjoy a wonderful evening out at HMNS After Dark. Grab a drink at the cash bar or bite at McDonald’s. Special tours and surprises planned for each date.

NEW MEMBERSHIP LEVELS!

NEW! HMNS CATALYSTS FAMILY - Looking for the perfect date night away from the kids? Upgrade to HMNS Catalysts Family level to enjoy all the benefits of a Family Level Membership for two adults and four children, plus quarterly adults-only events with other young professionals. Two Memberships in one!

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$45 Number of people

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$65

$85

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Unlimited free admission to permanent exhibit halls

$115

$150

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$550

2 adults + 4 kids

2 adults + 4 kids + 1 adult or kid

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Discount admission to all ticketed special exhibitions, Cockrell Butter�ly Center, Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, and Burke Baker Planetarium Reduced rates for lectures, classes, travel and special events Discount at the Museum Store

Subscription to MuseumNews magazine Invitations to Members-only events Members-only ticket line

Early and discounted registration for Xplorations Summer Camps for children and grandchildren Two FREE tickets for admission to special exhibitions

Invitation for two to one President’s Circle event per year

HMNS Catalysts Young Professionals

$150 *Discoverer benefits value $72. Benefactor benefits value $152

NEW! Family Plus includes member benefits for two adults and four children, PLUS one additional adult or child. Voyager level is now called Family Flex and allows membership benefits for ten people. If you are a Voyager member, you will automatically be upgraded from a Voyager to a Family Flex membership. Discoverer and Benefactor level memberships now allow member benefits for ten people.

MEMBER ONLY EVENTS

Make the most of your Museum membership and enjoy these exclusive Members-only opportunities!

WORLD TREKKERS: DENMARK

Wednesday, February 22, 9 a.m.

Members Event for Children Friday, February 10, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Enjoy a light breakfast and an exclusive tour of a select permanent exhibition during this new special event series for seniors only. Come and experience the Museum with us!

No need to pack your bags—HMNS brings the world to you! At World Trekkers, families can discover diverse cultures from around the globe through food samplings, live entertainment, family-fun activities, arts and crafts and more. Children won’t want to miss the face painting and balloon artists. This February we are headed to Denmark.

NEW! 2ND SATURDAY

2nd

January 14 and February 11 8 a.m.

Experience the Museum before the crowds!

We’re opening early for Members only on 2ND Saturdays.

This morning of family fun includes complimentary guided tours, crafts and food trucks.

Don’t forget to snap a commemorative party pic in our photo booth with themed backdrops and props.

Remember, the Museum’s permanent exhibit halls are always free for Members, and special exhibition admission is discounted. Join your Museum family in the morning for 2ND Saturday!

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Spend the morning socializing with other seniors at the Museum! HMNS' Senior Social is a new quarterly event exclusively for HMNS' senior members, ages 60 and up.

H M N S M E M B E R O N LY E V E N T S

NEW! SENIOR SOCIAL

HMNS IN THIS ISSUE • G HM E N ES RCAALT IANLFYOS RT M S A• T M I OI XN E R S & E L I X I R S • W O R L D T R E K K E R S

GENERAL INFORMATION

In 2 After Dark Membership Benefits

HMNS MEMBERSHIP

HMNS AT SUGAR LAND

3 Member Only Events

MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS www.hmns.org/member Student, Senior, Individual, Dual, Family, Family Plus, Family Flex, Discoverer, Benefactor, President’s Circle

13016 University Blvd.

Sugar Land, Texas 77479 (281) 313-2277 www.hmns.org/sugarland

4 General Information 5 HMNS Gala 2017 HMNS Catalysts 6 Amber Secrets: Feathers from Age of Dinosaurs

HMNS Catalysts Individual, Dual and Family

7 Amending America: The Bill of Rights

MEMBERSHIP DEPARTMENT (713) 639-4616, membership@hmns.org

8-9 Mummies of the World: The Exhibition 10 Trains Over Texas 11 Mapping Texas: From Frontier to the Lone Star State 12-13 Out of the Amazon: Life on the River 14 Cabinet of Curiosities 15 Wildlife Photographer of the Year 16-17 Wortham Giant Screen Theatre

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18-19 Burke Baker Planetarium

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20-21 HMNS at Sugar Land 22 George Observatory 23 Cockrell Butterfly Center 24-25 For Teachers 26-27 Just For Kids 28 Travel with HMNS 29 Adult Education 30-31 Events Calendar HMNS Museum Store Augumented Reality Experience GET CONNECTED TO HMNS

WWW.HMNS.ORG

HMNS MAIN CAMPUS 5555 Hermann Park Drive Houston, Texas 77030 (713)639-4629 www.hmns.org Open daily: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Holiday Hours: Jan. 1-2: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Jan. 16, MLK: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Jan. 31: closed March 4: closed DIRECT ENERGY FREE THURSDAYS: Permanent Exhibit Halls and Planetarium FREE after 2 p.m.

(3 p.m. during extended holiday hours).

SPECIAL SERVICES Wheelchairs are provided at no cost and subject to availability.

Visit www.hmns.org/accessibility for information for visitors with autism spectrum disorders. TTY (713)639-4687 PARKING GARAGE Members received discounted rate. $5 All Day for Members, $20 All Day for Non-Members

FIELD TRIPS

Natural.Science

@hmns

@hmns

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For all HMNS locations. www.hmns.org/fieldtrips fieldtrips@hmns.org (713) 639-4659

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SPECIAL EVENT RENTALS

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blog.hmns.org

www.rentthemuseum.com specialevents@hmns.org (713) 639-4749

Thursday and Friday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday: noon to 5 p.m.

Monday - Wednesday: field trips only Holiday Hours Jan. 1: noon to 5 p.m.

Jan. 2: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Jan. 16, MLK: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Jan. 30 - Feb. 5, Super Bowl Week: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Feb. 20, Pres. Day: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SPECIAL EVENT RENTALS www.hmns.org/sugarlandrentals sugarlandprograms@hmns.org (281) 313-2277, ext. 101

GEORGE OBSERVATORY Located in Brazos Bend State Park 21901 FM 762 Needville, Texas 77461 (281) 242-3055 www.hmns.org/observatory State park entrance fee is $7, kids 12 and under are free. Entrance to park is not permitted after 9:30 p.m.

Private groups can schedule scout troop experiences, Friday night star parties, Discovery Dome planetarium shows, tours, Expedition Center missions, astronomy classes and birthday parties.

Current observatory weather conditions can be accessed at www.weatherbug. com, zip code 77461.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES www.hmns.org/birthdays birthdays@hmns.org (713) 639-4646

HMNS Gala 2017 Saturday, March 4 The Houston Museum of Natural Science will serve as mission control for an out-of-this-world event!

We are over the moon to have Shawn Stephens and Kelli Weinzierl co-chairing the HMNS Gala, The Big Bang Ball.

By supporting the 2017 Gala, The Big Bang Ball, you help educate and inspire the next generation of explorers. For table reservations and questions, contact Emily Brents at (713) 639-4729 or ebrents@hmns.org.

H M N S G A L A 2 0 1 7 • H M N S C ATA LY S T S

This year’s Gala honors our newly renovated Burke Baker Planetarium.

We plan to transport our guests to neighboring planets, distant galaxies, and even back to the Big Bang. Set your calendars and prepare for lift-off on Saturday, March 4, 2017.

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Morian Hall of Paleontology Thursday, January 26 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Looking to mix things up? Join HMNS' Young Professionals group, HMNS Catalysts, and cause a reaction!

This diverse young professional group in their 20s and 30s enjoy basic Museum Member benefits and receive free admission to Catalysts social events with discounted admission for a guest, plus one free ticket to all summer Mixers & Elixirs.

Mixer price: Non-Catalyst tickets must be purchased at the Museum box office or (713) 639-4629. General Public $25. Museum Members and HMNS Catalysts guests $15.

Catalysts membership upgrades are available for Individual, Dual and Family levels. (See page 2 for details.)

Join now and enjoy this season’s upcoming Catalysts event.

Spend an evening with prehistoric beasts in the world-class Morian Hall of Paleontology! Enjoy complimentary drinks, light bites, crafts and more as you discover each ancient specimen on display.

Free for HMNS Catalysts Members.

Catalysts guests, non-Catalyst Museum Members and General Public must purchase tickets in person at the Museum box office or at (713) 639-4629. 21 and up only.

www.hmns.org/catalysts

Young Professionals Event

H M N S A M B E R S E C R E T S : F E AT H E R S F R O M T H E A G E O F D I N O S A U R S www.hmns.org/amber

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MEMBERS RECEIVE DISCOUNTED TICKETS The early Cretaceous was a dangerous time to be a tree—and even more dangerous for their adversaries.

Some species of conifers protected themselves from insects, fungus, loss of limbs and other arboreal calamities with a chemical defense.

They would secrete copious amounts of resin; these secretions would act as a liquid Band-AidTM. The liquid would engulf anything in its path.

The unlucky would become entombed and embalmed.

After the trees died, the unassuming resin lumps were buried and over

time changed into a gem prized by humans. The entombed objects were again exposed to sunlight, only 99 to 100 million years later. This exhibit provides a view into an early Cretaceous ecosystem, through the window of beautiful golden gems of amber.

This tick was entombed in resin secreted by a conifer tree during the age of dinosaurs. The tick was engulfed by the resin shortly after a blood meal. Its last prey remains a mystery—it is possible the tick feasted on a small mammal, a bird, a reptile, or even a dinosaur.

This mummified tick encased in golden tree resin and many other amber gems are included in the special exhibition Amber Secrets inside the Morian Hall of Paleontology.

Don’t miss this unprecedented public display of scientifically significant amber. The last day the exhibition is on view is Sunday, February 5.

HANDS-ON CLASS Amber Workshop Tuesday, January 10, 6 p.m.

Instructor: David Temple, HMNS paleontologist

PALEO LECTURE “Field Guide to Prehistoric Mammals” Donald Prothero, Ph.D. Natural History Museum of LA County Tuesday, January 24, 6:30 p.m.

In the Paleozoic after the mass extinction of the dinosaurs, mammals became the dominant terrestrial life form. Spectacular beasts such as saber-toothed cats, immense ground sloths, and gigantic giraffe-like rhinoceroses roamed Earth.

Paleontologist Donald Prothero will reveal an up-to-date family tree for each main group of prehistoric fossil mammals taking into account taxonomy and evolutionary history, as well as behavior. Book signing of his new book The Princeton Field Guide to Prehistoric Mammals will follow the lecture.

TRAVEL Dinosaur Excavation The Black Hills of Wyoming with Peter Larson August 14 - 19, 2017 August 22 - 27, 2017 More info on page 28 and www.hmns.org/travel.

EXHIBITION LAST DAY IS FEBRUARY 5

In later years, he called into question Banneker’s intelligence and merit.

Black men did not receive equal protection until 1868, women had to wait until 1920 and Native Americans were excluded until 1924.

Amending America: The Bill of Rights traces the expansion of civil rights in the past 225 years.

MEMBERS RECEIVE DISCOUNTED TICKETS

hend the basics of science, math or literature, let alone create works of their own. Banneker countered this thinking by including in his almanacs the poetry of African-American Phillis Wheatley and anti-slavery poet William Cowper.

In colonial America, formal education was not available to black people, even free men like Benjamin Banneker.

Clever, industrious and largely selftaught, Banneker made a name for himself by carving a working clock entirely from wood, and later published several highly accurate and well-regarded almanacs.

At the time, it was widely thought that blacks were unable to compre-

The wording in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights did not equally apply to all. At the time of its ratification, it was understood that the “people” described in the Bill of Rights were wealthy, white and land-owning men.

All others were excluded. Benjamin Banneker noticed. In 1791, he wrote a bold letter to the Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson, charging him to stand by his own words, that “all men are created equal.”

In the letter, Banneker wrote “how pitiable it is to reflect, that although you were so full convinced of the benevo-

Local support is provided by The Hamill Foundation. The exhibition’s last day on view is January 8, 2017.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR Thursday, January 5, 6 p.m.

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “The Soldiers of the American Revolution” John M. Keahey, Historian Tuesday, January 17, 6:30 p.m.

Historian John Keahey, while in character, will explain each item of uniform, weapons and equipment of the typical American Continental soldier and rifleman. In stark contrast, the well-equipped British soldier will also be examined.

EXHIBITION LAST DAY IS JANUARY 8

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www.hmns.org/billofrights

Banneker was appointed by George Washington to the committee that established the city's boundaries.

When the chairman suddenly left with the plans, Banneker reproduced them from memory, saving valuable time.

This exhibition was created by the National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, DC. The national tour is presented in part by AT&T, HISTORY®, Seedlings Foundation, and the National Archives Foundation.

HMNS AMENDING AMERICA: THE BILL OF RIGHTS

lence of the Father of Mankind…that you should at the same time counteract His mercies, in detaining by fraud and violence so numerous a part of my brethren, under groaning captivity and cruel oppression, that you should at the same time be found guilty of that most criminal act, which you professedly detested in others, with respect to yourselves.”

Less than two weeks later, Jefferson responded respectfully but made no changes to his personal or political behavior.

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HMNS MUMMIES OF THE WORLD: THE EXHIBITION

Meet the World’s Most Recent Mummy: MUMAB When you visit the Mummies of the World exhibition, you will come face to face with the world’s most recent mummy, MUMAB. In 1994, two researchers, Drs. Brier and Wade, wanted to find out how ancient Egyptian mummies were made. The donor decedent that was used for this project was an elderly man who had made his anatomical gift more than 10 years prior to death.

Mummies of the World: The Exhibition presents a collection of mummies from Europe, South America ancient Egypt, and the University of Maryland—some 4,500 years old and one merely 22. This fascinating collection of mummies and accompanying artifacts is on loan from 12 museums, organizations and collections coming from 5 countries. This exhibition is on view at HMNS until May 29, 2017.

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BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR Tuesday, February 21, 6 p.m.

MEMBERS SAVE UP TO 60% ON TICKETS TO THIS SPECIAL EXHIBITION.

www.hmns.org/mummies

The two researchers strictly followed what is known of the mummification process. They commissioned replicas of the embalming tools. Canopic jars, intended to store some of the internal organs were readied as well. Other ingredients, necessary for embalming, were brought in. After 125 days, the body had been thoroughly mummified. The individual originally weighed 180 lbs. When the process was finished, he weighed in at 38 lbs.

Over the coming years, researchers will continue to monitor the condition of this modern mummy.

While we do not know the name of this individual, he does live on as MUMAB, which stands for Mummy of University of Maryland at Baltimore.

He will live on in the memories of visitors to the exhibition—exactly what ancient Egyptians intended for the mummified dead.

HMNS MUMMIES OF THE WORLD: THE EXHIBITION

CURRENTLY ON EXHIBITION

ON EXHIBITION THROUGH FEBRUARY 20 Free for Members

HMNS TRAINS OVER TEXAS

Travel across Texas by model railroad! This 2,500 square foot train exhibit is the largest indoor model railroad in Texas. Built in O scale (1:48 ratio, ¼ inch = 1 foot), it took three 53-foot semi-trucks to transport this commissioned marvel to HMNS.

www.hmns.org/train

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Multiple trains crisscrossing the state visit important and unique places in our great state’s geology and physiography. Destinations include oil country salt domes, prairies and wetlands of the Texas coast, and state and national monuments such as Enchanted Rock, Pedernales Falls, Balcones Escarpment and Big Bend.

Along the routes to these geologic wonders the trains will pass through Texas cities—Galveston, Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio—with other surprises along the route.

There is no better place for this Texas-size model railroad than “Houston: Where 17 Railroads Meet the Sea” and the state’s first railroad was opened in 1853. Don’t miss Trains Over Texas. It departs February 20.

FROM FRONTIER TO THE LONE STAR STATE

HMNS MAPPING TEXAS

MAPPING TEXAS -

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Through this unique presentation of cartographic history, visitors can visualize how the fourth largest city in the US, Houston, and the third most populous county in the US, Harris County, grew into an economic powerhouse because of the Houston Ship Channel and the growth of railroads in the region.

The works in this exhibition are primarily from the archival collection of the Texas General Land Office,

Houston map collectors Frank and Carol Holcomb, the Witte Museum in San Antonio, and the Bryan Museum in Galveston.

Mapping Texas: From Frontier to the Lone Star State was organized by the Texas General Land Office with the Witte Museum, San Antonio. It will be on view at HMNS January 27 - October 8, 2017. This special exhibition is free for Museum members.

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Mapping Texas – The Factors that Shaped the Lone Star State” Mylynka Cardona, Ph.D. General Land Office of the State of Texas Tuesday, February 7, 6:30 p.m.

EXHIBIT OPENS JANUARY 27 - FREE FOR MEMBERS -

www.hmns.org/mappingtexas

Featuring maps dating from 1513 to 1920, the special exhibition Mapping Texas: From Frontier to the Lone Star State traces more than 400 years of Texas history.

Visitors will have the opportunity to see the formation of Texas, from an unnamed frontier in the New World, to a small outpost of New Spain, to the huge, bustling state that now leads the nation.

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ON EX HIBITION THROUGH L A BOR DAY

HMNS OUT OF THE AMAZON: LIFE ON THE RIVER

glimpse of everyday life, as well as the spiritual beliefs and customs, among the rapidly disappearing indigenous groups of the Amazon Rainforest.

Out of the Amazon: Life on the River features selected works from the Museum’s Amazonia collection, celebrated as one of the best and most extensive in the world. This exhibition was organized by Adam Mekler, curator of HMNS’ vast ethnographic Amazonia collection. This exhibition is free for Members.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR Tuesday, January 10, 6 p.m.

Photograph by Donald H. Biery

The Mashco people are one of 13 tribes represented the Out of the Amazon: Life on the River exhibition.

They live in the southwestern region of the Amazon Basin in what is now Peru. Mashco territory covers two types of ecosystems: the high canopy rainforest and the low forest.

There is reason to believe that the Inca controlled this region in Precolumbian times. The arrival of the Conquistadors reduced their numbers. Given the remoteness and inaccessibility of the Mashco homeland, it is rather difficult to estimate their current numbers.

A mid-twentieth century census suggested a total population figure of 7,500 for all the Mashco groups involved. This translates into a very low population density.

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www.hmns.org/amazon

Sharing the story of thirteen tribes, spectacular feather art and other rare artifacts are complemented by photographs, videos and animals that live side by side with these indigenous communities. Visitors are offered a

MEET THE MASHCO

HMNS OUT OF THE AMAZON: LIFE ON THE RIVER

The Houston Museum of Natural Science has an unparalleled Amazonia collection of feather art.

Priceless pieces of the collection— ceremonial objects, masks, body costumes, headdresses and more—are showcased in the special exhibition Out of the Amazon: Life on the River which will be on display through Labor Day.

HMNS CABINET OF CURIOSITIES www.hmns.org/curiosities

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Please touch! Yes, the Museum said “please, touch!”

As a homage to our own history, the Houston Museum of Natural Science presents a remarkable recreation of the iconic image of the study of Renaissance alchemist and apothecary Ferrante Imperato. The image was introduced as a woodblock print in the first edition of Imperato’s book Dell'Historia Naturale which was published in Naples in 1599.

In this wondrous display, visitors have the unique opportunity to peruse a natural history exhibit up close and in a personal way. For this exhibit, we insist that you please touch!

In addition to the countless natural history specimens posted on every square foot of the room—from the 19-foot man-eating crocodile (hint: you must look up to the ceiling to find this marvel) to fanciful sea creatures—endless numbers of drawers and cabinets are awaiting to be explored. You will discover something different every visit!

SOLVE THE MYSTERY EVENT “HMNS Sleuths and Secrets” Perfect for team building, birthday parties, scout groups, science clubs, student councils, and friends—your group must untangle a web of clues, evidence and history to solve the mystery. More info about this latenight adventure at the Museum is available at www.hmns.org/sleuths.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR Tuesday, February 21, 6 p.m.

SPECIAL EVENT SNAPSHOT

After his death, a second edition was published in Venice in 1672. Giovanni Maria Ferro, editor of this new edition, included a finer engraving of the image which depicts Ferrante and his son Francesco, who maintained the impressive cabinet of curiosity long after his father departed, showing off the natural history musings.

HMNS can help make your upcoming special event truly unforgettable.

This table is set for an exquisite dinner party in Cabinet of Curiosities. www.rentthemuseum.com • specialevents@hmns.org • (713) 639-4749

EXHIBITION OPENS JANUARY 27

FREE FOR MEMBERS

The acclaimed Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition showcases Earth's most extraordinary and revelatory sights, reflecting nature's beauty and diversity and highlighting the fragility of wildlife on our planet.

After its London premiere, the exhibition embarks on a UK and international tour, to inspire millions of people across the world to appreciate and conserve the natural world.

©Audun Rikardsen (Norway) Arctic Showtime

The winner of the vote will then be showcased until the exhibition closes.

The top five People's Choice Award images will also be displayed online at nhm.ac.uk/wpy joining the 100-strong winning portfolio chosen by the judges.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science is honored to again host the breathtaking beauty captured in Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

This exhibition will be on display January 27 - June 4, 2017.

©Willem Kruger (South Africa) Termite Tossing

15 ©Sandra Bartocha (Germany) Heart’s Delight

www.hmns.org/exhibits

Nature fans can have their say in the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition by voting in the People's Choice Award. The annual award recognizes outstanding

competition entries as chosen by the public. Lovers of wildlife photography around the world can choose from 25 images, pre-selected by the Natural History Museum in London from almost 50,000 submissions from 95 countries.

HMNS WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

World-leading nature photography competition launches People's Choice Award. Online voting open through January 10.

©Ganesh H Shankar (India) Eviction Attempt

WORTHAM GIANT S

Visit www.hmns.org/giantscreen for showtim

15 MILLION VISITORS IN 27 YEARS AND COUNTING!

H M N S W O R T H A M G I A N T S C R E E N T H E AT R E

With the special geometry of our theater and the latest in film technology you will always feel as though you're immersed in the action. You're just not seeing the movie—you’re part of it. Members receive 50% off ticket prices.

www.hmns.org/giantscreen

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DREAM BIG 3D OPENS FEBRUARY 17

Witness how engineering is shaping the world of tomorrow by pushing the limits of ingenuity and innovation in unexpected, imaginative and amazing ways. Dream Big takes viewers on a journey of discovery—up the world’s tallest building, across a bridge higher than the clouds, and racing in a solar car. Support for Dream Big is provided by Bechtel and ASCE. Engineering Week, February 19 - 25: Special Dream Big events, include Girls Night Out, will be posted at www.hmns.org/dreambig.

PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF ALL WORTHAM GIANT SCREEN FILM TICKETS HELP FURTHER TH

SCREEN THEATRE

mes and more information about each film.

NOW SHOWING

Famed storm chaser and award-winning filmmaker Sean Casey takes you on a dramatic journey to places where few have gone before! Destinations include the edge of a 300-foot-tall calving glacier in Alaska, the front lines of massive wildfires in the Western United States, and directly in the path of deadly, yet mesmerizing, tornadoes in the plains.

H M N S W O R T H A M G I A N T S C R E E N T H E AT R E

EXTREME WEATHER 3D

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www.hmns.org/giantscreen

WILD AFRICA 3D NOW SHOWING

Africa, the most dramatic continent on Earth, is the destination for this amazing journey. Our guide through this geological wonder is water, which shapes wild Africa from its jungles to its deserts, conjuring up life wherever it journeys on its eternal continental cycles. Along the expedition, see thousands of pink flamingos gathered on a beach, a tiny lizard dance in the desert, a family of gentle gorillas, and a herd of swimming elephants.

NATIONAL PARKS ADVENTURE 3D LAST DAY FEBRUARY 16!

Narrated by Robert Redford, National Parks Adventure 3D is the ultimate off-trail escapade, taking you to Yellowstone, Glacier, Yosemite and Arches to celebrate the 100th anniversary of our treasured national parks and inspiring the adventurer in all of us.

HE HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE’S NONPROFIT MISSION. YOUR SUPPORT COUNTS!

H M N S B U R K E B A K E R P L A N E TA R I U M www.hmns.org/planetarium

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PREMIERES JANUARY 13 We Are Stars! is a family-friendly adventure that starts with a little stardust, building up over millions of years to become our world and us.

Narrated by Lord of the Rings’ Andy Serkis, this time-space adventure spans billions of years and includes the formation of hydrogen, nuclear fusion in stars, formation of asteroids, synthesis of carbon, creation of our own solar system and the emerging of the very first living cells on Earth.

It’s an incredible ride that explores the secrets of our cosmic chemistry and explosive origins with a cast of lovable characters! Is it true that we really are all made of stardust? We are Stars! Learn about this cosmic transformation in the Tru-8K Burke Baker Planetarium.

The award-winning full-dome film We are Stars! complements the many displays of atoms and molecules in the Welch Chemistry Hall.

ALSO SHOWING IN TRUE8K™ H M N S B U R K E B A K E R P L A N E TA R I U M 19

“Our Cosmic Chemistry and Explosive Origins – Yes, We Are Stars!”

Carolyn Sumners, Ed.D., HMNS VP of Astronomy Thursday, January 26, 6:30 p.m.

In a fusion of chemistry, physics, astronomy and biology, Dr. Carolyn Sumners will overview our cosmic chemistry and explosive origins. The evening will include a viewing of the film We Are Stars!

“Mapping the Heavens – Black Holes and Dark Matter” Priyamvada Natarajan, Ph.D., Yale University Wednesday, February 22, 6:30 p.m.

Our Universe is expanding at an accelerating pace, propelled by dark energy and structured by dark matter. Dr. Priya Natarajan will present the new science of mapping these invisible entities by observing how light bends around them while en route to Earth from distant galaxies. Book signing of her new book Mapping the Heavens, The Radical Scientific Ideas That Reveal the Cosmos will follow the lecture.

www.hmns.org/planetarium

ASTRONOMY LECTURES

www.hmns.org/sugarland

H M N S H M N S AT S U G A R L A N D

HMNS AT S U

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U GAR L AND BLOCK PARTY, TOO!

OPEN THROUGH MAY 7 • ONLY $2 FOR MEMBERS Block Party, Too! has been so popular we’re extending the exhibition through the spring!

Take a closer look at the principles of science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) Block Party, Too!, a family-friendly hands-on exhibit at HMNS at Sugar Land. Examine how force affects structures, but with a twist—through colored plastic building bricks both giant and small, plus K’Nex, Lincoln Logs, gears and more. Construct a tower as tall as you can make it, balance a crane with long, long arms, build a bridge to span a great distance, or reinforce a pyramid to give it enough strength to withstand time.

Block Party, Too! is locally sponsored by Siemens Analytical Products & Solutions.

H M N S H M N S AT S U G A R L A N D

Children of all ages have found something fun to build and learn with—and we’ve had many, many return visitors. Most popular of all are the large locking blocks, so we’ll be adding something new that’s even bigger. Watch for announcements on the website and via eBlasts in February about our “big addition,” plus more fun for older kids.

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An Evening of Celebration Surrounded by Science!

Tuesday, February 14, 6 p.m.

This unique Valentine’s Day celebration includes a reception in the exhibit halls, a three course seated meal with wine, and a chance to fall in love for the first time… or all over again. A special behindthe-scenes lecture will add to this memorable evening’s unique appeal.

Make your plans early as this popular event offers limited seating and fills quickly each year. Advance ticket purchase required by February 8.

Adults 21 and over only, please.

Couples $170, Member couples $150.

www.hmns.org/sugarland

VALENTINE’S DINNER LECTURE

H M N S G E O R G E O B S E R VAT O R Y

GEORGEOBSERVATORY

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SKY NEWS Winter constellations highlight the evening skies in January and February, including the constellation Andromeda—the only other galaxy besides our Milky Way that can be seen with the naked eye.

In the clear winter skies, seemingly hidden by bright constellations, far away galaxies and nebulae can be seen with the high-powered Observatory telescopes.

Beyond Orion the Great Hunter and Taurus the Bull, amazing surprises such as the Orion Nebula and the Pleiades open star cluster are visible.

Galaxies and nebulae can also be seen by looking through and beyond the constellations Pegasus, Cygnus and Cassiopeia.

FAMILY SPACE DAY

Saturday, January 28 Mission Times: 3, 4, 5:30, 6:30 p.m.

Don’t miss this opportunity to participate in real astronaut training!

Astronauts of all ages—kids and adults—can fly to the Moon with NASA volunteers in the Expedition Center. No danger is involved!

Astronauts are assigned jobs aboard the Space Station Observer and work together to solve problems and have fun. Visit www.hmns.org/ familyspaceday for information and reservations.

SATURDAYS AT THE GEORGE Stargazing through the largest public telescope in Texas—the Museum’s

36” Gueymard research telescope— along with many other telescopes is a spectacular experience. Open every Saturday evening until 11 p.m.

Gift Shop, exhibits and Discovery Dome open at 3 p.m. Telescope tickets go on sale at 5 p.m. Viewing begins at dusk. Telescope Tickets $7, Members $4. Discovery Dome Tickets $3, Members $2.50.

The George Observatory is located in Brazos Bend State Park (park entrance fee: adults $7, kids 12 and under free) Directions are posted at www.hmns.org/observatory.

Current observatory weather conditions can be accessed at www. weatherbug.com, zip code 77461.

MEET OUR NEW ADDITIONS!

Red-footed tortoises can be found throughout the Caribbean Islands and northern South America. They live in many different habitats, including rainforest. They prefer a temperature of around 80 degrees and enjoy high humidity—making the Cockrell Butterfly Center a wonderful home for them! They are mostly herbivorous and enjoy a wide variety of plants, flowers, fruits and veggies. For protein they will also feed on carrion (dead decaying meat of other animals), feces, and small invertebrates.

Luckily, our tortoise enclosure is full

Tortoises are not only adorable and fun to watch, they play a very important ecological role! Because their diets consist of many fruits and seed pods, they are crucial to the seed dispersal process of many forest plants. So, if it weren’t for the tortoises, many seeds would not be able to germinate. We love our new tortoises and we hope you will too!

The Cockrell Butterfly Center also has new additions of the two-legged variety. Dr. Nancy Grieg, the director of the Cockrell Butterfly Center since its founding in 1992 is transitioning to a more relaxed role as Director Emerita.

Entomologist Erin Mills, who has cared for the critters behind the scenes for eleven years, has been named new director. Other recent additions to the staff include Theresa Freiburger, horticulturist and greenhouse manager and Kathryn Hokamp,

Butterfly Entomologist. Celeste Poorte has shifted to new responsibilities in the insect zoo and containment room. Paula Rosales continues as Conservatory Assistant, as does Farrar Stockton as Collection Curator.

CULTURAL FEAST “Taste-Bud-Tripping Miracle Berry Party” Tuesday, February 14, 6:30 & 7 p.m.

Experience the magic of the miracle berry in the rainforest of the Cockrell Butterfly Center. Along the dramatically lit trails, you will meet the staff of the Butterfly Center and enjoy a variety of foods selected for their high-impact miracle berry transformation.

Many of the foods produced in the Butterfly Center that have been associated with love over the centuries—such as chocolate, tropical fruit and honey—will be featured this evening, making this a perfect Valentine taste bud trip! Advance tickets recommended by February 8.

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In October the Cockrell Butterfly Center welcomed three baby redfooted tortoises to our rainforest family! Hooper, Cricket and Blueberry can be seen during the day walking around their enclosure, bathing in their water dishes, or enjoying a tasty meal of greens and other veggies and fruits! They have a very roomy enclosure located right next to Charro, our beloved iguana.

of earthworms, so they will enjoy one of those from time to time to get a healthy amount of protein in their diet.

H M N S C O C K R E L L B U T T E R F LY C E N T E R

Photos by Simply Photography

FOR TEACHERS WWW.HMNS.ORG/EDUCATORS - FIELDTRIPS@HMNS.ORG - (713) 639-4659

www.hmns.org/EducatorEvent to register and for more information on the participating organizations.

HMNS FOR TEACHERS

EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE OR MATHEMATICS AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

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Applications for the 2017 Excellence in Science or Mathematics Teaching Awards and Student Scholarships are now available at www.hmns. org/education. The deadline for applications is April 21, 2017.

WEEKDAY LABS EDUCATOR GUIDE IS YOUR TICKET TO WIN! It’s a curious year, Houston! Each month during the 2016-2017 school year, the education e-blast will feature a clue to solve using the Educator’s Guide. A mystery prize will be awarded to one unknown educator who has submitted the correct answer to educatorevent@hmns.org. From puzzles to riddles, we’ll keep peaking your curiosity over and over again!

THE EDUCATOR EVENT @ HMNS

GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY SHELL Saturday, January 21, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Register today!

Learn about the incredible educational opportunities provided by museums, nonprofits and local organizations at our 3rd annual The Educator Event @ HMNS! This conference-style event is FREE to all Houston-area teachers, school administrators, education undergraduate and graduate students, and home school educators. Earn three hours of CPE credit by attending fun and interactive workshops! Visit

Coming to HMNS for a field trip?

Try one of our Weekday Science Labs.

These self-contained investigations feature Museum specimens, artifacts and laboratory equipment. Each lab is one hour long and includes admission to the Museum’s permanent exhibit halls.

Available at HMNS in Hermann Park all month and the select listed dates at HMNS at Sugar Land. Capacity is 25 students per lab. Cost per lab is $165 $200. Visit www.hmns.org/weekdaylabs for the Weekday Lab schedule for the 2016-2017 school year.

JANUARY LAB TOPICS Time Lab, Grades 1-8 “History of the Horse and Man” Humans have a 6,000 year history with the horse and only 100 years with the automobile. Come discover what makes this historical relationship so important.

Conocophillips Technoscience Lab, Grades 1-8 “Water Works” Discover surprising things about water and explore surface tension and capillary action.

(January 27 in Sugar Land)

Dissection Lab, Grades 5-10 “Seeing Stars” Not the kind that twinkle, but the kind that crawl. Dive deep into this class about the starfish and its Echinoderm cousins. Includes starfish dissection.

FEBRUARY LAB TOPICS Time Lab, Grades 1-8 “Timbuktu” Discover this West African city, long synonymous with the uttermost end of the Earth, that was a center of Islamic scholarship under several African empires, was home to a university that helped the spread of Islam throughout Africa.

Wildlife Lab, Grades 1-8 “Myrmecology” Ants! There are over 10,000 ant species. Become a myrmecologist for the day and discover ants that cooperate to form super colonies, set traps to capture prey, and even grow their own food!

(February 23 in Sugar Land) Earth Science Lab, Grades 1-8 “Smaller than a Planet” What else is in our solar system? Discover comets and asteroids, meteors and meteorites, and other bits found in space!

(February 24 in Sugar Land) MARCH LAB TOPICS Time Lab, Grades 1-8 “Inventions of Imperial China” China's long history saw the emergence of many important inventions such as paper and movable type. Come delve into the many wonders of Imperial China! (March 31 in Sugar Land) Wildlife Lab, Grades 1-8 “Say what?” Which creatures converse through subsonic booms?

Can moths really “talk” to bats? Find out the answers to these questions and more as we explore how animals use and experience sound. (March 30 in Sugar Land)

Dissection Lab, Grades 5-10 “Waste Not, Want Not” From filtration to waste removal, investigate the body fluid balancer, the kidney.

Includes mammalian kidney dissection.

LABS ON DEMAND Need help with a TEKS objective? Want a lab experience for your field trip?

Each lab is tailored to your grade level. $200 per presentation (maximum 25 students), plus $75 travel fee for presentations at your school.

Topics Available: Chemistry, Force and Motion, Electricity, Light and Optics, Magnets, Storm Science, Ancient Egypt, Cells, Earth Science, and Dissection.

EXXONMOBIL TEACHER TUESDAY WORKSHOPS

Explore how photography can bring science in to your classroom through hands-on activities with the physics of light. Learn to make parlor games that teach about light and motion and how to make photographs using the sun.

Includes tour of Wildlife Photographer of the Year special exhibit. (Grades 5-12)

Teaching Science through Literature Friday, March 31, 5 - 8 p.m.

Cross curricular is best! Come explore how the Museum uses books to enhance learning in the sciences.

Participate in hands-on activities, listen to great stories, and explore the Museum.

“Dinos in the Classroom” Tuesday, February 28, 5 p.m.

Use the love students have for dinosaurs to teach important science skills such as sorting, classifying, investigation, and observation in this fun hands-on workshop. Includes tour of the Morian Hall of Paleontology.

(Grades K-2) “Machines in Motion” Tuesday, March 28, 5 p.m.

Designing and building are essential to engineering. Learn to use openended hands-on challenges to teach the engineering design process in your classroom while covering important STEM concepts. (Grades K-8)

EDUCATOR LATE NIGHT Participants receive dinner and 6 hours of CPE credit. Tickets $70, Members $60.

ZOOM! *GT Workshop* Friday, January 27, 5 - 11 p.m.

OUTREACH PROGRAMS Bring the Museum to Your Classroom!

Aligned to grade-level TEKS objectives, pricing ranges from $100 $625. Presentations last 30-45 minutes and multiple presentations may be scheduled in a day. Extended day, weekend and evening scheduling is also available. Special Science Night activity station packages are also available.

For more information and scheduling: www.hmns.org/outreach, outreach@ hmns.org, (713) 639-4758.

Choose from these HMNS Outreach Programs: Bugs On Wheels

“Amazing Animals” Tuesday, January 24, 5 p.m.

Our innate curiosity about animals makes them the perfect tool for teachers. Learn how to incorporate easy hands-on activities that are crosscurricular and encourage observation

Explore the Museum while engaging in a variety of activities that help teachers differentiate naturally.

Receive hands-on techniques that are available for immediate implementation!

Whether you are detail-oriented or focus on the big picture, enhance your classroom strategy to help reach all of your students. With dynamic

Chevron Earth Science On Wheels ConocoPhillips Science On Stage Discovery Dome Docents To Go TOTAL Wildlife On Wheels

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During ExxonMobil Teacher Tuesdays, discover a new world of science as you go behind the scenes with HMNS curators and staff in these exciting interactive workshops.

These programs are for adults only.

Participants receive 3 hours of CPE credit. Dinner is provided. Adults only.

Tickets $30, Members $25.

“Photography” Tuesday, February 7, 5 p.m.

presenters, engaging sessions, and the vast world of HMNS to explore, this is a workshop like never before.

HMNS FOR TEACHERS

For more information on booking a Lab on Demand for your group please email educationquestions@hmns.org.

and exploration in our budding young scientists. Includes a tour of Frensley/ Graham Hall of African Wildlife, Farish Hall of Texas Wildlife, and Hamman Hall of Texas Coastal Ecology.

(Grades K-2)

HMNS JUST FOR KIDS

On February 25, children and parents will burst out of their cocoons and migrate to HMNS for A Butterfly Flutter. This children’s event offers a variety of exciting activities, including papillio arts and crafts, metamorphic

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Let HMNS handle all of your birthday party planning — the decorations, entertainment, craft project, party favors, party coordinator and more!

Party packages begin at $350.

Themes: Dinosaur, Ancient Egypt, Butterfly/Bugs, Astronomy, Wildlife and Expedition. Deluxe packages also available: Partysaurus, Winged Wonderland, Galactic Gathering, Deluxe Wildlife, Deluxe Egypt.

Visit www.hmns.org/birthdays for complete party planning info, including optional add-ons.

For Sugar Land parties, visit www.hmns.org/sugarlandbirthdays for more information!

face painting, a squirmy insect petting zoo, and so much more! Of course, there will be lots of nectar to drink to keep those wings fluttering, and other munchies for hungry caterpillars! The 2017 A Butterfly Flutter Chairs, Kitty

Hochner and Carroll Ray, hope you will flutter your wings to support the best butterfly center in the southwest! To be a part of the excitement, contact Emily Brents at (713) 639-4729 or ebrents@hmns.org. Tickets from $45.

www.hmns.org/scouts

GEMS – GIRLS EXPLORING MATH AND SCIENCE

presented by students in grades 4 to 12. Groups have the chance to earn prize money for your school or troop and spend the night at the Museum.

Visit www.hmns.org/GEMS for complete details on registration.

SPRING BREAK SCOUTS HMNS AT SUGAR LAND March 15 - 17, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

This STEM event celebrates science, technology, engineering and math.

Families are invited to attend this open-house style event that highlights STEM careers and includes projects

Boy Scouts Choice of: All About Cars, Citizenship in the Community, Emergency Preparedness and Fire Safety, Soil and Water Conservation.

www.hmns.org/summerscouts HMNS offers seven weeks of classes for scouts to earn multiple badges— specific for Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts (Webelos, Bear and Wolf ranks) and Girl Scouts (Brownie, Junior, Cadette and Senior ranks).

Complete schedule and registration information posted online. For questions, e-mail scouts@hmns.org.

Priority registration begins January 12 for Family level Museum memberships and above. Registration for all others opens January 19.

7 1 0 2 ER M M U S Get ready for Xplorations Summer Camp offered at both HMNS in Hermann Park and HMNS at Sugar Land! Catalogs will be mailed and made available online in mid-February. Register early to secure your camp spots. For more information, visit www.hmns.org/xplorations.

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Saturday, February 18, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. www.hmns.org/GEMS

Senior Girl Scouts The Sow What? Journey to complete your take action project.

SUMMER SCOUT ACADEMY 2017

HMNS JUST FOR KIDS

A wide array of badges and classes for all ages of Boy and Girl Scouts are offered at HMNS on Saturdays through the school year. In addition, there are great Scout events for you to attend with your troop. Go to www.hmns.org/ scouts complete schedule and registration information. Contact scouts@ hmns.org for more information.

Priority Member registration: February 16 Discoverer level and above February 20 Family Flex February 27 Family Plus and Family March 20 General Public

T R AV E L W I T H H M N S and supplies. Dr. Carolyn Sumners, HMNS VP of Astronomy, and Dr. Dirk Van Tuerenhout, HMNS Curator of Anthropology, will lead this Norwegian voyage.

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sky on the eclipse path for optimal eclipse viewing. This family-friendly trip—with private viewing area, private hotel with all meals included, and experienced astronomy team— can be enjoyed by travelers of all ages.

Travel Night – Norwegian Voyage Tuesday, March 7, 6:30 p.m.

Registration incentives will be offered to all those in attendance.

H M N S T R AV E L W I T H H M N S

What’s on your bucket list? HMNS offers amazing once-in-a-lifetime journeys! Each experience is designed with our expert curators so you can get the most out of your vacation.

Space is limited for all expeditions, so register today! Visit www.hmns. org/travel for trip itineraries and registration information.

Photo courtesy of Austin Madison

NORWEGIAN VOYAGE: VIKINGS AND NORTHERN LIGHTS March 17 - 25, 2018 With several days above the Arctic Circle to spot the magnificent auroras dancing in the night sky, this trip is timed to also have ample daylight to enjoy the stunning scenery and diverse shore excursions. This southbound journey meanders along the scenic coastline of Norway and includes historic Viking sites, picturesque Scandinavian villages and medieval architecture. An unforgettable Viking feast and native Sami lunch, and optional dog sledding adventure will let travelers truly experience Norwegian culture and heritage.

This is a cruise like no other—our ship MS Finnmarken has been designed

by Hurtigruten to offer travelers the utmost comfort and ease of visiting Norway, while continuing as the lifeline for coastal towns providing daily deliveries and shipments of food

TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE: ALL-AMERICAN TOTALITY Casper, Wyoming August 19 - 22, 2017 As the Moon moves across the Sun’s face, the sky grows darker and the air grows cooler. Suddenly the blue sky vanishes and stars appear. Red prominences flow outward from the Sun’s hidden photosphere. In an instant, a pearly corona with streamers of glowing gas appears, surrounding the Sun’s darkened disk.

A solar eclipse is an encounter of a lifetime, best experienced with Dr. Carolyn Sumners. Her entertaining commentary makes her enthusiasm of astronomy contagious. She has led groups on HMNS eclipse trips all over the world—most recently to Australia, China and Libya.

On August 21, 2017, a solar eclipse comes to the US and HMNS is going to be in Casper, Wyoming! Casper gives the best chance of having the clearest

DINOSAUR EXCAVATION The Black Hills of Wyoming with Peter Larson August 14 - 19, 2017 August 22 - 27, 2017 Allosaurus, Brachiosaurus, Camarasaurus and Stegosaurus— these are among the fossils the Black Hills Institute has collected in 10 seasons at the iconic dig site at the Waugh Quarry, a real “Jurassic Park.”

As part of the excavation team, you will spend four days in the field with the legendary paleontologist Peter Larson as our expedition leader.

Larson is best known for his discovery of the famous T. rex Sue. Participants will learn professional paleontological techniques specific to the fossils of this Jurassic location and will perform the various tasks to dig for, expose and collect actual dinosaur bones. HMNS paleontologist David Temple will accompany the group.

This trip is offered exclusively by HMNS with the Black Hills Institute who played a primary role in the mounting of the dinosaurs in our Morian Hall of Paleontology.

ADULT EDUCATION To register, visit www.hmns.org/adults or call (713) 639-4629.

CULTURAL FEAST www.hmns.org/feasts “Taste-Bud-Tripping Miracle Berry Party” Tuesday, February 14, 6:30 & 7 p.m.

DISTINGUISHED LECTURES www.hmns.org/lectures

“Our Cosmic Chemistry and Explosive Origins – Yes, We Are Stars!”

Carolyn Sumners, Ed.D. HMNS VP of Astronomy Thursday, January 26, 6:30 p.m. (page 19) “Mapping Texas – The Factors that Shaped the Lone Star State” Mylynka Cardona, Ph.D. General Land Office of the State of Texas Tuesday, February 7, 6:30 p.m. (page 11) “Solving the Mystery of Göbekli Tepe: The Oldest Temple on Earth?”

Mehmet Ozdogan, Ph.D. Istanbul University Thursday, February 9, 6:30 p.m.

Ruins of Göbekli Tepe in Turkey date back an astonishing 14,000 years—

A world of war has fostered extreme male dominance in recent human history and upset the natural balance of the sexes that evolved with huntergatherer societies. Neuroscientist and anthropologist Melvin Konner will explain how similarities and differences between male and female brains, intelligence and specific dispositions guide an unstoppable force toward equality. Cosponsored by the Center for the Study of Natural Systems and the Family.

“Mapping the Heavens – Black Holes and Dark Matter” Priyamvada Natarajan, Ph.D. Yale University Wednesday, February 22, 6:30 p.m. (page 19) Film Screening Bridge On the River Kwai Tuesday, February 28, 6:30 p.m.

Join Rear Admiral Sam J. Cox, United States Navy (retired), Director of Naval History and Heritage Command for a screening of this classic 1957 film.

Among the forced laborers who built the bridge over the River Kwai were American and Australian sailors who survived the sinking of the USS Houston and the HMAS Perth in the Battle of Sunda Strait on March 1, 1942.

Cosponsored by AIA, Houston Society with support from Schlumberger.

Primate dietary ecologist Dr. Erin Vogel will discuss the factors that influence food acquisition and diet selection in non-human primates. Cosponsored by The Leakey Foundation.

“Secrets from a Watery Grave: USS Houston and HMAS Perth” Alexis Catsambis, Ph.D., Naval History and Heritage Command Thursday, March 2, 6:30 p.m.

Commemorating the 75th anniversary of the sinking of the USS Houston and the HMAS Perth by the Japanese Imperial navy, maritime archaeologist Alexis Catsambis will recount the story of the battle that cost the lives of 696 US sailors and 375 Australian sailors. Cosponsored by AIA, Houston Society with support from Schlumberger, and in conjunction with the Julia Ideson Library’s exhibition Guardians of Sunda Strait: the Wartime Loss of HMAS Perth and USS Houston.

GARDENING WORKSHOPS www.hmns.org/aedclasses Cosponsored by Urban Harvest, these classes are designed to cultivate successful Houston-area gardeners.

“Basic Fruit Tree Care and Planting” Saturday, January 28, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

“Growing Great Tomatoes” Saturday, February 11, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

“Edible Landscapes” Saturday, February 25, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

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“Field Guide to Prehistoric Mammals” Donald Prothero, Ph.D. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Monday, January 24, 6:30 p.m. (page 6)

“Women After All: Sex, Evolution and the End of Male Supremacy” Melvin Konner, Ph.D. Emory University Wednesday, February 15, 6:30 p.m.

“The Evolution of Cooperation and Coalition Formation Food Resources Effect on Behavior” Erin Vogel, Ph.D. Rutgers University Wednesday, March 1, 6:30 p.m.

H M N S A D U LT E D U C AT I O N

Experience the magic of the miracle berry that changes sour taste buds into sweet receptors in a variety of foods along the dramatically lit trails of the Cockrell Butterfly Center.

Much of what is produced here has been associated with love over the centuries—such as chocolate and honey—will be featured this evening, making this a perfect Valentine taste bud trip! Advance tickets recommended by February 8.

predating Stonehenge by 6,000 years.

Archaeologist Mehmet Ozdogan will present these most magnificent and best-preserved artifacts of the Neolithic, a revolutionary period that brought us animal husbandry, agriculture, village life, and eventually artisanship, art and religion. Cosponsored by AIA, Houston Society with support from the Consulate General of Turkey.

HMNS MUSEUM STORE The Museum Store has the perfect gifts for all the loves in your life.

HMNS EVENTS CALENDAR

But for that special love, you can’t top the Delphine Leymarie black diamond heart beat necklace.

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Purchase it online or onsite. Stop by and we can help you pick out something—with love. museumstore.hmns.org.

JANUARY

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR Amending America: The Bill of Rights Thursday, January 5, 6 p.m. (page 7) ADULT HANDS-ON CLASS Amber Workshop Tuesday, January 10, 6 p.m. (page 6) BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR Out of the Amazon: Life on the River Tuesday, January 10, 6 p.m. (page 12)

EXXONMOBIL TEACHER TUESDAY WORKSHOP “Amazing Animals” Tuesday, January 24, 5 p.m. (page 25)

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Field Guide to Prehistoric Mammals” Tuesday, January 24, 6:30 p.m. (page 6) HMNS AFTER DARK Wednesday, January 25 (page 2)

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT Second Saturday Saturday, January 14 (page 3)

HMNS CATALYSTS EVENT Morian Hall of Paleontology Thursday, January 26, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. (page 5)

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “The Soldiers of the American Revolution” Tuesday, January 17, 6:30 p.m. (page 7)

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Our Cosmic Chemistry and Explosive Origins – Yes, We Are Stars!”

Thursday, January 26, 6:30 p.m. (page 19)

EXHIBITIONS OPEN Mapping Texas: From Frontier to the Lone Star State (page 11) Wildlife Photographer of the Year (page 15) Friday, January 27 EDUCATOR LATE NIGHT ZOOM! *GT Workshop* Friday, January 27, 5 - 11 p.m. (page 25) GARDENING WORKSHOP Basic Fruit Tree Care and Planting Saturday, January 28, 9:30 a.m. (page 29) FAMILY SPACE DAY AT THE GEORGE Saturday, January 28 Mission Times: 3, 4, 5:30, 6:30 p.m. (page 22)

THE EDUCATOR EVENT @ HMNS Saturday, January 21, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. (page 24)

For tickets to all events, visit www

FEBRUARY DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Women After All: Sex, Evolution and the End of Male Supremacy” Wednesday, February 15, 6:30 p.m. (page 29)

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Mapping Texas – The Factors that Shaped the Lone Star State” Tuesday, February 7, 6:30 p.m. (page 11)

GST FILM LAST DAY National Parks Adventure 3D Thursday, February 16 (page 17)

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Solving the Mystery of Göbekli Tepe: The Oldest Temple on Earth?”

Thursday, February 9, 6:30 p.m. (page 29) MEMBERS ONLY EVENT World Trekkers: Denmark Friday, February 10, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. (page 3)

GARDENING WORKSHOP Growing Great Tomatoes Saturday, February 11, 9:30 a.m. (page 29) CULTURAL FEAST “Taste-Bud-Tripping Miracle Berry Party” Tuesday, February 14, 6:30 & 7 p.m. (page 23) HMNS AT SUGAR LAND Valentine’s Dinner Lecture Tuesday, February 14, 6 p.m. (page 21)

w.hmns.org or call (713) 639-4629.

GST FILM OPENS Dream Big 3D Friday, February 17 (page 16) GEMS – Girls Exploring Math and Science Saturday, February 18, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. (page 26) XPLORATIONS SUMMER CAMP Family Flex Level Registration Opens Monday, February 20 (page 27) BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOURS Mummies of the World: The Exhibition (page 9) Cabinet of Curiosities (page 14) Tuesday, February 21, 6 p.m.

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Mapping the Heavens – Black Holes and Dark Matter” Wednesday, February 22, 6:30 p.m. (page 19) HMNS AFTER DARK Wednesday, February 22 (page 2) GARDENING WORKSHOP Edible Landscapes Saturday, February 25, 9:30 a.m. (page 29) A BUTTERFLY FLUTTER Saturday, February 25, 10 a.m. (page 26) XPLORATIONS SUMMER CAMP Family Plus and Family Level Registration Opens Monday, February 27 (page 27) EXXONMOBIL TEACHER TUESDAY WORKSHOP “Dinos in the Classroom” Tuesday, February 28, 5 p.m. (page 25) FILM SCREENING Bridge On the River Kwai Tuesday, February 28, 6:30 p.m. (page 29)

AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE Alfred Glassell Hall, 1st Floor Now you can be the star of the silver screen—with your costar Tyrannosaurus rex! Projected on a screen for all to see, life-size 3D dinosaurs, from flocks of small raptors to large sauropods, will follow and interact with you when you visit the Museum. This is a Jurassic big-screen adventure like never before, made possible through the magic of cutting-edge augmented reality.

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MEMBERS ONLY EVENT Second Saturday Saturday, February 11, 8 a.m. (page 3)

XPLORATIONS SUMMER CAMP President Circle, Benefactor, and Discoverer Level Registration Opens Thursday, February 16 (page 27)

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT Senior Social Wednesday, February 22, 9 a.m. (page 3)

HMNS EVENTS CALENDAR

EXXONMOBIL TEACHER TUESDAY WORKSHOP “Photography” Tuesday, February 7, 5 p.m. (page 25)

POSTMASTER: Dated material enclosed.

Please deliver IMMEDIATELY!

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Houston, Texas Permit No. 6371

HMNS NEWS IS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT WWW.HMNS.ORG/MAGAZINE HMNS activities are supported in part by funds provided by the City of Houston.

HMNS News (ISSN 1556-7478) is published bimonthly by the Houston Museum of Natural Science, 5555 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, Texas 77030. Issues are sent every other month as a benefit to all Museum members. HMNS is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to preserve and advance the general knowledge of natural science, to enhance in individuals the knowledge of and delight in natural science and related subjects, and to maintain and promote a museum of the first class.

www.hmns.org/magazine

H M N S N E W S • JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017 • VOLUME 22, NUMBER 1

5555 Hermann Park Drive Houston, Texas 77030

LAST DAY FEBRUARY 5 PAGE 6

NOW ON EXHIBITION PAGE 8

ONLY AT HMNS AT SUGAR LAND!

OPENS JANUARY 27 PAGE 11