HMNS September/October 2017

news SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2017 VOLUME 22, NUMBER 5 w w w. h m n s . o r g

STR AKE HALL OF MAL ACOLOGY

MEMBERS NIGHT Tales of a Time Traveler Friday, September 29, 6 - 10 p.m.

Take an epic journey through time on this special Members Night in the Burke Baker Planetarium!

Hear the story of the lives of stars, the time scale of the Big Bang and the distortion of time by gravity.

HMNS NEW MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Tickets are only $4 for this special event!

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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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N EW N EW

$45 Number of people

1

$65

$85

1

2

$100

$125

Unlimited free admission to permanent exhibit halls

$115

$150

$195

$275

$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!

SENIOR SOCIAL FOR MEMBERS

George Observatory Friday, October, 13 7:30 - 10 p.m.

Wednesday, October 25, 9 a.m.

Enjoy an evening under the stars at the George Observatory inside Brazos Bend State Park. Expert astronomers are available to let Members look at a variety of celestial objects through the Observatory telescopes, as well as privately owned telescopes. Viewing is always weather dependent.

Free for Members with paid State Park admission.

Enjoy a light breakfast and an exclusive tour of a select exhibition hall during this special event series for senior members only. Experience the Museum with us, and spend the morning socializing with other seniors at HMNS! HMNS' Senior Social is a new quarterly event exclusively for HMNS' senior Members, ages 62 and up. Tickets are $2.

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Open Early for Members at 8 a.m.

September 9 – Tours of Farish Hall of African Wildlife October 14 – Tours of Morian Hall of Paleontology Beat the crowds—2nd Saturdays are for Members!

Explore our permanent exhibition halls and get exclusive discounts to special exhibitions, enjoy arts and crafts and more. Join your Museum family on 2nd Saturdays— An exclusive benefit for members only! The Museum’s permanent exhibit halls are always FREE for Members!

Each 2nd Saturday features family programming from 9 a.m. to noon.

2nd SATURDAY AT SUGAR LAND NEW! EXTRA KID'S PASS PERK! New benefit with 2nd Saturday Kid's Pass!

Show your Kid's Pass at the Museum gift shop during each 2nd Saturday visit to receive a free prize! A new prize is featured each month. Don't have a Kid's Pass? Pick one up ONLY during 2nd Saturday!

Exclusive Member Events at 10 a.m.

September 9 – Cool Chemistry October 14 – Astronomy Dome Members enjoy a special activity during each 2nd Saturday at HMNS at Sugar Land. Don’t forget your Kid’s Pass to get a special prize! 2nd Saturday at Sugar Land features family programming from 10 - 11 a.m.

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2nd SATURDAY

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

MEMBERS NIGHT

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 Membership Benefits 3 Member Only Events 4 General Information 5 Annual Fund in Action Wiess Energy Hall 3.0 6 HMNS Catalysts Spirits & Skeletons 7 Special Event Snapshot Take Two 8 Strake Hall of Malacology 9 Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum 10-11 Mapping Texas: From Frontier to the Lone Star State 12 Fabergé: Royal Gifts 13 Cabinet of Curiosities 14 Faces from the Southern Ocean Out of the Amazon: Life on the River 15 Vanishing Arts: Highlights from the Beasley-Hwang Collection Tourmaline Treasures 16-17 Wortham Giant Screen Theatre

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18-19 Burke Baker Planetarium 20 George Observatory

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21 Cockrell Butterfly Center 22-23 HMNS @ Sugar Land 24-25 For Teachers 26-27 Just For Kids 28 Trains Over Texas Sensory Friendly Day 29 Adult Education 30-31 Events Calendar HMNS After Dark

GET CONNECTED TO HMNS

WWW.HMNS.ORG Natural.Science

@hmns

@hmns

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blog.hmns.org

HMNS MEMBERSHIP

HMNS AT SUGAR LAND

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

13016 University Blvd.

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

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

HMNS MAIN CAMPUS 5555 Hermann Park Drive Houston, Texas 77030 (713)639-4629

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

Monday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

GEORGE OBSERVATORY

DIRECT ENERGY FREE THURSDAYS Permanent Exhibit Halls and Planetarium FREE after 2 p.m. on Thursdays, and after 3 p.m. during summer hours

Located in Brazos Bend State Park 21901 FM 762 Needville, Texas 77461 (281) 242-3055 www.hmns.org/observatory

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

State park entrance fee is $7, kids 12 and under are free. Entrance to park is not permitted after 9:30 p.m.

PARKING GARAGE Members received discounted rate. $5 All Day for Members, $20 All Day for Non-Members

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

FIELD TRIPS

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

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

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

SPECIAL EVENT RENTALS

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

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

ANNUAL FUND

Donate to our Annual Fund!

WIESS ENERGY HALL 3.0

HMNS ANNUAL FUND • WIESS ENERGY HALL 3.0

Be a part of the community of donors that allows the Museum to maintain the quality of our collections and educational opportunities. Keep an eye out this month for our Annual Fund In Action announcement or visit www.hmns.org/annualfund for more information.

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Permanent naming rights are meaningful ways for individuals, corporations and foundations to be recognized in perpetuity at the Museum. These opportunities are limited in availability and range from $250,000 to $5,000,000. All donations to the Wiess Energy Hall 3.0 Capital Campaign support one of the Museum’s most ambitious and highprofile projects to date—to create the most contemporary, comprehensive and technologically-advanced exhibition on the science of energy anywhere in the world.

For a complete list of available naming opportunities contact Amy Chaisson, Director of Corporate Giving at achaisson@ hmns.org or (713) 639-4746.

www.hmns.org/annualfund

Electrifying opportunities within the Wiess Energy Hall, which is re-opening this November!

H M N S H M N S C ATA LY S T S • S P I R I T S & S K E L E T O N S

HMNS would like to recognize the 2017 Catalysts Steering Committee:

www.hmns.org/catalysts

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LOOKING TO MIX THINGS UP? Join HMNS' Young Professionals group, HMNS Catalysts, and cause a reaction!

HMNS Catalysts enjoy basic Museum member benefits, plus invitations to exclusive HMNS Catalysts social events and discounted tickets for a friend, and a free ticket to all summer series HMNS

Mixers & Elixirs. See page 2 for Catalysts membership options or visit www.hmns.org/catalysts for more information.

SAVE-THE-DATE! HMNS Catalysts: Wiess Energy Hall Thursday, November 30, 6:30 p.m.

Allison Bland Brynn Bossart Autumn Breese Anna Caudle Ben Clemenceau Cary Corral Jessica L. Crutcher Anna Domning Christine Dubbert Emalie Vann Ghonima David Lach Sam Li Hunter Lockhart Tom Lockwood Will McCallum Lindsay McClelland Maggie McDaniel John McDougal Raj Natarajan Jacob Owolabi Christa Clarke Owolabi Sahil Patel Cassie Reid McGarvey Esther Rios Julia Russell Katy Sermas Patrick Sermas Charley Tauer Kelly Trier

SPIRITS & SKELETONS HALLOWEEN EVENT Spirits & Skeletons Saturday, October 28, 8 p.m. - midnight Calling all ghosts and ghouls, monsters and mummies, witches and werewolves: Houston’s favorite Halloween party—the one and only Spirits & Skeletons—is back at HMNS! With the entire Museum open you can shake your stuff with a stegosaurus, grab a drink with a skink and get spellbound by bewitching gems, all to live music and your favorite hits played by DJs with fantastic food trucks parked right outside. Whether you go with scary and spooky or fab and kooky—dress up, party the night away at HMNS and we’ll put a spell on you!

Featuring The Space Rockers Spirits and Skeletons is for adults 21 and over. Tickets $50, HMNS Members $25. Purchase advance tickets at www.hmns.org/spirits.

Contact groupsales@hmns.org for group and corporate rates.

H M N S S P E C I A L E V E N T S N A P S H O T • TA K E T W O

SPECIAL EVENT SNAPSHOT

Every space in the Museum can be transformed for a memorable occasion. www.rentthemuseum.com • specialevents@hmns.org • (713) 639-4749

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Receive a punch for every Take Two film you watch. After five punches, your sixth movie is FREE! Offer valid with current membership and for Take Two film series only. Not valid for other films showing at the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre. One pass per member. One punch per Take Two film.

$4

Star Trek (2009) E Friday, September 1, 7:15 p.m.

STAR

TREK

D E WIN H T H WIT GON E D MAN 3 R O N PARA G HININ TH E S

Gone with the Wind (1939) Q Friday, September 15, 7:15 p.m.

ParaNorman 3D (2012) W Friday, October 20, 7:15 p.m.

The Shining (1980) R Friday, October 27, 7:15 p.m.

Charlotte’s Web (2006) Q Friday, November 10, 7:15 p.m.

Zootopia (2016) W Friday, November 24, 7:15 p.m.

rentthemuseum.com • www.hmns.org/taketwo

NEW! Take Two Members Season Pass!

HMNS STRAKE HALL OF MALACOLOGY

STR AKE HALL OF MAL ACOLOGY

www.hmns.org

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New, Expanded Exhibits Now Open Ranging in size from snails so small that we can barely see them to giant squids more than 60 feet long, mollusks are invertebrate creatures with soft, unsegmented bodies, many of which house themselves in shells. Malacology is the study of this highly diverse group of animals which includes more than 100,000 species— with new discoveries still common.

The Strake Hall of Malacology tells the story of these animals with selections from the millions of specimens in the Museum’s collection, predominantly made up of shells.

The Museum’s shell collection is one of the finest in the world, making it a destination for international researchers studying biological diversity and marine ecology.

The magnificent shell specimens of the Guido T. Poppe Collection are now on display in a beautiful new space in Strake Hall of Malacology. Three new cases house beautiful, rare and famous species, all from the islands of the Philippines, including one of the rarest Murex species, the Murex mocki.

This group of fascinating albino specimens makes the white (or lack of pigment) outstanding. Since the lack of coloration in any species makes it stand out in its habitat, few albino organisms make it to adulthood—no camouflage! These somehow did manage to survive, and they give the colorful shells around them a counterpoint of contrast.

One of the most famous shells in the world is also displayed in a group of small, rare Pectens. It is known as “The Kissing Couple” and it has been

on the cover of several books and featured in scientific papers. See if you can find the dark silhouettes of the “couple.”(Hint: She has a pony tail hairdo.) While these specimens are revered by scientists and admirers, it should be said these mollusks make up a large part of the diet of Philippine households. Most of have been gathered for food first, and then the shells have found their way to collectors such as the Poppe family.

Strake Hall of Malacology is a permanent exhibition located on the 2nd floor. Admission is free for Members.

LECTURE AND TOUR “Magnificent Malacology” Tina Petway, HMNS Malacologist Tuesday, October 10, 6:30 p.m. www.hmns.org/lectures

LAST DAY IS SEPTEMBER 10!

H M N S G L A D I AT O R S : H E R O E S O F T H E C O L O S S E U M 9

Don’t miss this special exhibition that explores the behind-the-scenes lives of the gladiators and the infamous spectacle of the Colosseum. On display for the first time in the United States are original armor and related archaeological artifacts from the Colosseum and other Italian museums.

Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum is organized by Contemporanea Progetti, srl and Expona in collaboration with the Colosseum, Rome. This exhibition is sponsored by HMW Entertainment and The Hamill Foundation. It is on display in on the 3rd floor of the Dan L Duncan Family Wing.

This exhibition has been extended through September 10, 2017. Members receive reduced admission!

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR Tuesday, September 5, 6 p.m. www.hmns.org/bts

MEMBERS RECEIVE REDUCED ADMISSION!

www.hmns.org/gladiators

Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum Last Day is September 10!

HMNS MAPPING TEXAS www.hmns.org/mappingtexas

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More than forty rare maps are on display together for the first time in Mapping Texas: From Frontier to the Lone Star State—many on public view for the first time ever.

The maps, dating from the sixteenth through the nineteenth centuries, document the birth of Texas and the evolution of the physical and political boundaries of the state. The exhibition shows how cartography, the science of drawing maps, played a key factor in the exploration and development of the New World and also in studying history today.

European cartographers imagined the territory that became Texas as a vast region ripe for colonization, despite the fact that indigenous communities had inhabited and claimed the territory for millennia.

To chart coastal areas and waterways for the purpose of easing the navigation and exploration of the territory, mapmakers relied on numerous types of information— from native informants, writings of European explorers and other printed sources. Their vague, often contradictory sources, especially in

regards to the location of the mouth of the Mississippi River, led to contested claims that fueled further exploration.

These campaigns spurred the eventual establishment of fortifications and cities from which to govern the territory.

While Spain and France made claims in Texas, England concerned itself with charting the waters of the Gulf.

Mapping Texas: From Frontier to the Lone Star State is organized by the Texas General Land Office with special thanks to Frank and Carol Holcomb.

Additional lenders to the exhibition

HMNS MAPPING TEXAS

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR Wednesday, October 25, 6 p.m. www.hmns.org/bts

DISTINGUISHED LECTURES www.hmns.org/lectures

“The Religious Question: Texas Colonization, Mexico and the Church, 1770-1836” Brian Stauffer, Ph.D., Historian Tuesday, September 19, 6:30 p.m.

Religious dynamics played a part in shaping the fortunes of Texas starting in her days as the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. Mexico’s rupture with Spain in 1821 raised new questions about the place of the powerful Catholic Church in an independent republic. This so-called “Religious

Question” quickly came to occupy a dominant place in the public debate in Mexico, driving partisan rancor, diplomatic conflicts, and even armed insurrection. Texas, then a frontier outpost, was not immune to these conflicts, and was in some ways on the frontline as it was quickly filling with non-Catholic immigrants.

how the resulting stalemate brought a screeching halt to the government of the Republic of Texas, and showed the power of archives.

“The Archives War - The True Story of Moving the Capital of Texas from Houston to Austin” James Harkins, Historian Tuesday, October 17, 6:30 p.m.

CULTURAL FEAST

The Archives War was a seminal moment in the history of Texas—and our city Houston. The Archives War helped settle the debate on where the capital of Texas would be, and very few know about it. During this incident, the citizens of Austin who shot a cannon at government officials are often lauded as heroes. A statue was erected in their honor. But, their actions had consequences. Historian Dr. James Harkins will examine what happened to cause the Texas Land Commissioner to dodge grapeshot,

“Texas Genealogy – Tracing Your Texas Roots” Lynna Kay Sheffield, Genealogist Monday, November 13, 6:30 p.m.

www.hmns.org/feasts

“Mapping the Culinary Roots of Texas” Hosted at Café Annie Tuesday, November 7, 7 p.m.

This evening legendary Chef Robert Del Grande and culinary historian Merrianne Timko will trace the culinary history of dining in the Lone Star State.

Our colorful menu will be matched by equally vibrant tales of how the featured spices, foods and drinks made their way to Texas tables. No less would be expected for this flavorful journey of “the six forks over Texas.”

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www.hmns.org/mappingtexas

are the Witte Museum in San Antonio and the Bryan Museum in Galveston.

It is on display at HMNS in the Hamill Gallery on the main floor. The exhibit has been extended through January 15, 2018. Admission is free for Members.

H M N S FA B E R G É : R O YA L G I F T S www.hmns.org/faberge

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Photo Credit: Royal Collection Trust © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Through the masterfully intricate pieces created by Peter Carl Fabergé and his master craftsmen, Fabergé: Royal Gifts featuring the Trellis Egg Surprise explores international politics, diplomacy, economics and innovation in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The McFerrin Fabergé Collection is the largest private collection of Fabergé in the world—currently numbering over 600 pieces, the collection is a treasure trove reflecting the artistry and history of the Fabergé firm.

This gallery is the first at HMNS fully equipped with interactive labels allowing visitors to explore the details of each piece on display. With the touch of the screen, you can pull up the history of each object.

Fabergé: Royal Gifts featuring the Trellis Egg Surprise is the inaugural installation of the Dorothy and Artie McFerrin Gallery in the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals on the 2nd floor.

This new permanent gallery, which opened this spring, is made possible by the generous underwriting of the Artie and Dorothy McFerrin Foundation.

Admission is free for Members.

First appearing in the Renaissance and reaching their pinnacle of popularity in the Victorian Era, cabinets of curiosity were filled with fascinating specimens,

Cabinet of Curiosities is organized by the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Located on the 2nd floor, this exhibition is free for Members.

SLEUTHS & SECRETS MYSTERY NIGHT Wednesday, October 25, 6 p.m.

Ready to crack the case? Join a team to untangle a web of clues, evidence and history to unlock a series of riddles and mysterious objects in the Cabinet

of Curiosities of Ferrante Imperato of 16th century Naples. Limited space available. Visit www.hmns.org/ aedclasses to register.

HMNS SLEUTHS & SECRETS Searching for an out-of-the-ordinary team-building adventure for your family, friends, co-workers or group?

This most curious, mind-tingling adventure at HMNS is an interactive evening of exploration and discovery.

Visit www.hmns.org/sleuths for more information.

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www.hmns.org/curiosities

A world of wonder resides in the endless numbers of drawers and cabinets waiting to be explored.

Within this exhibition are thousands of extraordinary natural and manmade objects—from the 9-foot man-eating crocodile to fanciful sea creatures— nestled in countless nooks and crannies, ready to be discovered.

and ours is no exception! But we do ask that you please touch!

HMNS CABINET OF CURIOSITIES

INDULGE YOUR CURIOSITY!

HMNS FACES FROM THE SOUTHERN OCEAN • OUT OF THE AMAZON www.hmns.org/amazon • www.hmns.org/southernocean

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Geospatial Center to capture images of Shackleton’s hut and created a 360 degree tour of its interior as part of Google’s World Wonders Project.

Accompanying these photographs are a mounted Adelie penguin and Magellanic penguin from the Museum’s collections.

Antarctica is completely surrounded by the Southern Ocean. There are no sounds except for reverberating wind and water punctuated by the cracking and booming of ice as it breaks off into the sea. It is a pristine place, overwhelming and awesome.

campsite at Cape Royds from his 1907 Nimrod Expedition, the first of three expeditions to the Antarctic.

The site is now managed by the Antarctica Heritage Trust who partnered with Google and the Polar

Faces from the Southern Ocean is organized by Katharine T. Carter & Associates. Local support is provided

by The Hamill Foundation. It will be on view at HMNS through April 15, 2018 in Jones Gallery on the main floor.

Admission is free for Members.

Through a selection of photography

by J.J. L’Heureux, Faces From the Southern Ocean embodies the spirit of the Southern Ocean and Antarctica, a realm dominated by sky and cold, seals and penguins— inhabitants of this icy region—along with breathtaking landscapes are captured in photographs from L’Heureux’s more than a dozen expeditions to this region.

Included in the exhibition are photographs of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s

On Exhibition through October 1, 2017 Out of the Amazon: Life on the River offers a glimpse of everyday, as well as the spiritual beliefs and customs, among the rapidly disappearing indigenous groups of the Amazon Rainforest.

Sharing the story of thirteen tribes, the Museum’s unparalleled Amazonia collection features spectacular feather art and other rare artifacts that are complimented by photographs, videos and animals that live side by side

with these indigenous communities.

Highlights include priceless ceremonial objects, masks, body costumes, headdresses and more.

Out of the Amazon: Life on the River is organized by the Houston Museum of Natural Science and located on the 3rd floor of the Dan L Duncan Family Wing. The exhibition has been extended through October 1, 2017.

Admission is free for Members.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR Tuesday, September 5, 6 p.m. www.hmns.org/bts

We are all familiar with tempus fugit, or “time flies.” This notion applies to one of our current exhibits. Among the 53 objects on display there are masks from Malaysia and Bali. A video screen shows how these expressive masks were made, starting with the selection of the proper wood.

Even though Drs. Hwang and Beasley collected a mere 30 years ago, the array of contemporary Malaysian masks is much smaller than it was just a generation ago. These arts are vanishing in front of our eyes. Our exhibit aims to appreciate them while also marking the passage of time.

TOURMALINE TREASURES On exhibition through September 30 Spanning the rainbow and on display together are masterpiece tourmalines from the most famous mines in the world. The centerpiece is the “Rose of Itatiaia” tourmaline from the Jonas Mine in Minas Gerais, Brazil, on loan from the Qatar Museums in Doha.

Other masterpiece specimens from the Tourmaline Queen Mine in California; the Paprok Region in Nuristan, Afghanistan; the Mount Mica in

Maine; the Stewart Mine in San Diego County, California; Anjanabonoina region in Madagascar; the Pedeneira Mine in Brazil; the Malkhan Mine in Russia; and the Alto Ligonha region of Mozambique are included in this intimate “jewel-box” exhibition.

Tourmaline Treasures is organized by the Houston Museum of Natural Science. This special display in the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals on the 2nd floor has been extended through September 30, 2017.

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www.hmns.org/vanishingarts • www.hmns.org/tourmaline

Vanishing Arts: Highlights from the Beasley-Hwang Collection is organized by the Houston Museum

of Natural Science. The collection was recently donated by Dr. LuYu Hwang and her late husband Dr. Palmer Beasley. The exhibition will be on display in Fondren Hall on the main floor through October 22, 2017.

Admission is free for Members.

H M N S VA N I S H I N G A R T S • T O U R M A L I N E T R E A S U R E S

Last Day is October 22

WORTHAM GIANT S

Visit www.hmns.org/giantscreen for showtim

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

Experience all of our film adventures with Giant Screen digital technology. The crystal-clear images coupled with our customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio create a unique environment that will make you feel as if you are in the movie.

www.hmns.org/giantscreen

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species must be at the very peak of performance to have any chance of success. Their backstory will be a key part of the narrative; to understand a cheetah’s dilemma you must meet her hungry cubs.

INCREDIBLE PREDATORS 3D

MEMBERS FIRST VIEWING FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 SHOW TIMES: 11 A.M., 1, 2, 3 & 4 P.M. Incredible Predators deconstructs the world of major predators as never before, taking an intimate look at the remarkable strategies they

use to succeed. Advanced filming techniques expose the planet’s top predators in extraordinary footage, putting the audience right beside them as they hunt—on land, under the sea or in the air.

Far from a film about the kill, instead the audience will be emotionally engaged with the key characters, learning how these supreme

Top predators occupy an apex position within the habitats they dominate and, alongside dramatic animal behavior, Incredible Predators reveals the unique relationship between predators and prey as a fundamental building block of ecology.

EVENING SCREENING Wednesday, October 11, 6:30 p.m.

David Temple, HMNS Paleontologist www.hmns.org/lectures Join a hunt for predators in the Museum exhibit halls following the film.

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

SCREEN THEATRE

mes and more information about each film.

DREAM BIG 3D NOW SHOWING

Shot on location in Antarctica, the southernmost region on the planet, this story follows a colony of emperor penguins as they emerge from the sea and begin their long march sixty miles inland during the cold winter. Presented in stunning 3D, this true-life tale will warm the hearts of audiences as they witness the hardships and sacrifices of these curious creatures in their fascinating triumph over the elements.

AMAZON ADVENTURE 3D Amazon Adventure 3D tells the epic, true story of explorer Henry Bates' fascinating 11-year journey through the visually stunning and biodiverse Amazon rainforest as a young man who risks his life for science in the 1850's. Bates made crucial contributions to biology: identifying 8,000 species new to science. Audiences will be wowed by the mind-boggling examples of camouflage and mimicry and inspired by Bates' endless curiosity and determination to explore the wilds of nature from the time he was a young boy. Local support provided by The Hamill Foundation.

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

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www.hmns.org/giantscreen

NOW SHOWING

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

SPECIAL MEMBER PRICING

South Georgia is one of the most extraordinary and least appreciated places for wildlife in the world… Whilst it may be remote, it is far from barren. It bears witness to some of the most spectacular sights in the natural world; from the stately albatross with the biggest bird wingspan in the world, and gargantuan elephant seals, to one of the world’s largest collections of penguins. – David Attenborough, Writer & Narrator

H M N S B U R K E B A K E R P L A N E TA R I U M

So begins your planetarium journey through all of time, told by David Tennant, an accomplished actor who played the famous Tenth Doctor on Doctor Who.

www.hmns.org/planetarium

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In this show, time travel surrounds you—from the biological clocks in your brain and the changing shadows of the Museum’s Cockrell Sundial, to the history of life on Earth. And then the story expands to the lives of stars, the time scale of the Big Bang and the distortion of time by gravity.

This is an epic journey told by a master of time, who guides you through all of time. Throughout our galaxy we find moments of creative violence mixed with eons of calm, random chapters in this time traveler’s tale. You must take this cosmic journey this fall!

Created in 8K to use all of the resolution possible on our Planetarium dome, Tales of a Time Traveler is a coproduction of the Houston Museum of Natural Science and Evans & Sutherland. The score is composed, directed and played by the Salt Lake City Symphony Orchestra.

Premieres Saturday, September 30 Time is a slippery thing, illusive, impossible to hold. It can’t be owned.

It can’t be stopped. You journey through space. You experience time. I’ll be your guide through all of time—time’s beginnings and endings, time’s cycles inside cycles—from your personal sense of time, to Earth time, star time, and finally cosmic time.

As humans, your time is limited, but your perception of it isn’t. You can experience a million years in a minute, a billion years in the blink of an eye.

MEMBERS NIGHT Friday, September 29, 6 - 10 p.m. (page 2)

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Timeline of the Universe” Carolyn Sumners, Ed.D. HMNS VP of Astronomy Tuesday, October 3, 6:30 p.m.

Includes a viewing of Tales of a Time Traveler.

ALSO SHOWING IN TRUE8Kâ„¢

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

www.hmns.org/planetarium

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

GEORGEOBSERVATORY

www.hmns.org/observatory

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Early fall brings excellent views of Saturn well as the Summer Milky Way and its beautiful celestial objects.

The great square of Pegasus and the Andromeda galaxy are favorites in addition to Cygnus the Swan and Queen Cassiopeia. Cooler evening temperatures and earlier sunset times make it a fun time to come enjoy stargazing at the George Observatory.

MEMBERS NIGHT

George Observatory Friday, October 13, 7:30 - 10 p.m.

More info on page 3.

ORIONID METEOR SHOWER

Saturday, October 21, 3 p.m. - 2 a.m.

One of the year's best sky shows will peak the evening of the 21st through early Sunday morning, when the Orionid meteor shower reaches its best viewing. The meteors that streak across the sky are some of the fastest and brightest among meteor showers, because the Earth is hitting a stream of particles almost head on. Entrance into the park is not permitted after 9:30 p.m.

ASTRONOMY DAY 2017

SATURDAYS AT THE GEORGE

Fun-filled stellar festivities begin in the afternoon and become even livelier after dark when the stars begin to shine.

Enjoy the stellar views through a variety of large research grade Observatory telescopes every Saturday evening until 10 p.m. The three domed scopes plus individual volunteer telescopes are available to show off the evening skies. Gift Shop, exhibits and Discovery Dome open at 3 p.m. Telescope tickets available in the gift shop. Viewing begins at dusk. Members receive discounted Telescope and Discovery Dome tickets.

Saturday, October 28, 3 - 10 p.m.

Take a simulated space mission in the Expedition Center, view sunspots in the daytime through filtered telescopes, explore the numerous indoor displays, meet local astronomy clubs, learn how to purchase and use telescopes, hear astronomy presentations, participate in children’s crafts, receive a guided tour of the constellations from the Observatory deck, and peer through dozens of telescopes—even our large professional research telescopes.

This family event is sponsored by local astronomy clubs, NASA organizations and the HMNS George Observatory. This event is free with Brazos Bend State Park entrance fee. For more information, visit www.astronomyday.net.

VISITOR INFO The George Observatory is located in Brazos Bend State Park. Park entrance fee is $7, kids 12 and under free.

Entrance into the park is not permitted after 9:30 p.m. Directions are posted at www.hmns.org/observatory.

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

FALL PLANT SALE Saturday, September 30 9 a.m. - noon Help native pollinators by planting a fall garden full of beautiful blooms!

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FAMILY FESTIVAL

Stock Your Home Garden

OktoberPest Saturday, October 21 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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It’s time for some bug love! Celebrate the fascinating world of bugs with your family with fun a plethora of buggy activities.

Activities •

Arts & Crafts •

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Dip a hissing cockroach into biodegradable Earth-friendly paint and then watch your cockroach create a masterpiece that you can take home!!

Decorate a delicious cookie in the shape of a ladybug, bee or caterpillar—and then enjoy!

Our face-painting experts can transform you into your favorite bug!

Learn how to display butterflies.

Step into our photo booth for a great OktoberPest souvenir!

Adopt a ladybug to take home to your own garden.

Prepare a milkweed seedling to plant in your own garden.

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Cheer on your favorite Madagascar cockroach as they race to the finish line.

Check out the Feeding Frenzy— where staff members feed our praying mantis and spiders!

Meet a tarantula, giant walking sticks, a giant African millipede and more at our Bug Petting Zoo. Bring your own bug! If you’ve found a bug you can’t identify, bring it with you. We’ll help.

Hear the buzz about beekeeping.

Learn about monarchs and watch a live tagging and release.

OktoberPest is free for Members!

www.hmns.org/butterflycenter

Stop by the Cockrell Butterfly Center’s Fall Plant Sale to stock up on a wide variety of the best native and tropical nectar plants, as well as host plants for other native butterflies! Your plants will not only help monarchs, but other important pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds as well.

Come early as the plants go fast. We hope to see you there!

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

The most basic and important need of native and migrating pollinators, like monarch butterflies, is nectar from fall blooming flowers. Monarchs traveling from the north rely on flowering plants along their migration route to sustain them on their long and incredible journey. Every fall millions of monarchs travel through Texas, and the easiest and most important thing we can do to help is provide them nectar.

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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$2

U GAR L AND TRICKS, TREATS & T-REX Saturday, October 21 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

September 1 through October 15 Block Party, Too was so popular we’re bringing it back again this fall! For a limited time—from September 1 through October 15—you won’t want to miss another chance to explore the basics of structures and engineering.

FOSSIL WASH DAY Saturday, September 16 9 a.m. - noon

Wash, rinse, repeat! You have a role to play in the scientific process, searching for bone fragments and objects of interest in dirt excavated from the HMNS dig site near Seymour, Texas.

Join us for a morning of fun as we get messy, washing and sorting approximately 1,000 pounds of red Permian dirt. This hands-on science experience is included with regular admission!

And what about costumes? The more creative, the better! You’ll parade through the Museum in the Grand Costume Contest with prizes! It’s a spooky Saturday you won’t forget.

Only $3 for Members.

T3 HAUNTED HOUSE 2 Nights Only: October 28 & 29 7 - 10 p.m.

Chills trickle down your spine as you step into the darkened Museum after hours. Glancing around nervously, you walk towards the Haunted House—is that someone following you? You see nothing, but the feeling remains...

Our family-friendly haunted house is back to usher in the horrors of Halloween with all-new thrills! Explore every creepy corner. You have the Museum to yourself… or do you?

Best for ages 7 and up. Tickets $10, Members $5.

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www.hmns.org/sugarland

Best of all, we’ve added a new set of super-sized blocks that will stretch every visitor’s creative talents.

Construct a tall tower, build a bridge to span a great distance, or reinforce a pyramid to give it enough strength to withstand time with blocks and building systems of all kinds, including K’Nex, Lincoln Logs and more. Come see what’s new or build with an old favorite! Only $2 for Members.

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

BLOCK PARTY, TOO!

Carnival games, trick or treating, a pumpkin patch, face painting and more—surprises await around every corner of a Magical Maze, It’s our family-friendly Halloween Spooktacular!

HMNS FOR TEACHERS

FOR TEACHER

www.hmns.org/education

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2017-2018 EDUCATOR’S GUIDE The Educator’s Guide is hot off the press!

Brighten up your school year with educational opportunities at HMNS. View it online at www. hmns.org/educatorguide or email educationquestions@hmns.org to receive your own copy!

Parents, Take This Poster to your Child’s Teacher Enclosed is a poster of an energizing view of the Wiess Energy Hall opening in November with helpful information for teachers on the flip side.

WEEKDAY LABS 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 2017-2018 school year.

SEPTEMBER LAB TOPICS ConocoPhillips Techno Science Lab, Grades 1-8 “Storm Science” - Explore weather and the tools we use to measure and predict it.

Dissection Lab, Grades 5-10 “Cosmopolitan Crawdads” - Take an inside look at this crawling crustacean.

(September 29 in Sugar Land) Wildlife Lab, Grades 1-8 “Young Wonders” - Take a look at the early lives of a variety of animals, small and large. (September 28 in Sugar Land) OCTOBER LAB TOPICS Earth Science Lab, Grades 1-8 “Renewable Energy” - Discover the many forms of renewable energy at our fingertips.

Time Lab, Grades 1-8 “Golden Age of Piracy” - Explore a time when being a pirate could be a fulltime job. (October 26 in Sugar Land)

Dissection Lab, Grades 5-10 “Aw, Rats…” - Learn about the fascinating rodent family from the outside in. (October 27 in Sugar Land) NOVEMBER LAB TOPICS ConocoPhillips Techno Science Lab, Grades 1-8 “Electricity” - Explore current, voltage and resistance as you build circuits. (November 17 in Sugar Land) Wildlife Lab, Grades 1-8 “All in the Family” - SCHOOL yourself with this fun class PACKed full of information! (November 16 in Sugar Land) Time Lab for Grades 1-8 “The Romanovs” - Explore the history of the Romanov family, who were killed in 1918.

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.

RS

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND FOR ALL EDUCATORS PROGRAMS, VISIT WWW.HMNS.ORG/EDUCATORS OR CONTACT EDUCATIONQUESTIONS@HMNS.ORG

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

NEW! EXXONMOBIL EDUCATOR MAKER LABS ExxonMobil Educator Maker Labs are intended to engage learners in problem based, open-ended activities that naturally encourage high-level learning, cooperation and problem-solving.

HMNS FOR TEACHERS

Participants will learn a number of new skills and then use those skills in a group setting to solve challenges related to TEKS-based objectives.

At the end of each workshop, participants will receive 4 hours of CPE credit, a kit of materials to take back to the classroom to use in their own Maker Lab, curriculum and a coupon for discounted parking. To ensure credit, participants should arrive by 8 a.m.

Circuits are way more fun than the basic electromagnet. In this Maker Lab you'll create wearable circuits, squishy circuits and copper tape circuits as well as experiment with and create conductive paint.

“Educator Maker Lab The Art of Science” Saturday, November 11 8 a.m. – noon How is art affected by physics? Come find out! In this Maker Lab you will create a scribble-bot, a Jacob's ladder, pendulum art and experiment with time lapse animation to tell a story.

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 Chevron Earth Science on Wheels ConocoPhillips Science on Stage Docents to Go Discovery Dome Wildlife on Wheels

EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE OR MATHEMATICS AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Nomination deadline is September 15

Through the generosity of the Cockrell Foundation, HMNS annually awards the Evelyn Frensley Scholarship for Outstanding Achievement in Science or Mathematics to two high school juniors in the Houston area, and the Wilhelmina C. Robertson Excellence in Science or Mathematics Teaching Award to one K - 5th grade science or math teacher and one 6th - 12th grade science or math teacher.

The deadline to nominate a student or a teacher is September 15, 2017.

Nomination forms are posted at www. hmns.org/scienceawards. Please contact the HMNS Education Department at 713.639.4651 or e-mail sstevenson@ hmns.org with any questions.

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www.hmns.org/education

“Educator Maker Lab Exploring Circuits” Saturday, October 14 8 a.m. – noon

OUTREACH PROGRAMS

HMNS JUST FOR KIDS www.hmns.org/kids

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BIRTHDAYS WITH A LITTLE BRAIN POWER! Back to School—too busy to plan your kid’s birthday? Don’t worry, let HMNS handle all of your birthday party planning—the decorations, entertainment, craft project, party coordinator and more!

We have themes for all ages and interests: Dinosaur, Ancient Egypt, Butterfly/Bugs, Astronomy, Wildlife and Expedition. Deluxe packages

also available: Partysaurus, Winged Wonderland, Galactic Gathering, Deluxe Wildlife, Deluxe Egypt. Party packages begin at $350.

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!

www.hmns.org/scouts 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.

Study how activities in space affect our own planet and bear witness to the wonders of the night sky. Telescope viewing included, weather permitting. Visit www.hmns. org/scouts for prerequisites and registration. George Observatory info on page 20.

www.hmns.org/overnights Kids groups ages 6 - 12 can schedule a private Overnight. Great for a class field trip or scout group adventure, select your own date and customize your experience for a group of 40+.

New this year, STEM Professional Booths offer Scouts interaction with professionals in various STEM careers as well additional activities and demonstrations. Scouts can sign up for optional STEM adventure

STEM/Nova Overnight Cubs & Webelos Friday, September 22, 7 p.m.

This new overnight experience for Cub Scouts and Webelos offers the unique opportunity to explore the Museum while working on their STEM/Nova Award requirements.

The overnighters will be up and at ‘em in time for the STEM/Nova event at 9 a.m. on Saturday.

Find additional information at www.hmns.org/overnights.

HMNS MUSEUM STORE Get back-to-school ready with our large selection of science kits, experiments and educational toys like the Barbie STEM Kit with Nikkie Scientist Doll ($29.95). A full-color storybook manual guides your journey as you explore physics and engineering. Construct seven different models—including a spinning closet rack, washing machine and a greenhouse—then conduct experiments to learn how and why your designs work!

Create three unique types of dresses for Nikkie, an optical illusion origami dress, chromatography dress and leafprint dress, while learning important lessons in biology and chemistry.

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www.hmns.org/kids • store.hmns.org

VIP OVERNIGHT PROGRAM

Scouts and their families can enjoy this open-house style event while Wolf, Bears, Webelos, Cubs and Boy Scouts work toward requirements for STEM/Nova Awards using Museum exhibits, shows and activities. STEM/ Nova Scouts receive discounted Museum admission.

classes in the afternoon. For more information on the STEM/Nova Day, including participating as a STEM professional, please email scouts@ hmns.org.

HMNS JUST FOR KIDS

Boy Scouts at the George Observatory Astronomy Merit Badge Class Saturday, September 9, 4 - 8 p.m.

STEM/Nova Day Cubs, Webelos and Boy Scouts Saturday, September 23 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

HMNS TRAINS OVER TEXAS • ACCESSIBILITY

Reserve Your Boxcar Today!

Make a new holiday tradition with HMNS! See your very own customized boxcar roll by on the tracks in the Trains Over Texas exhibit!

A limited number of sponsorships are available, so order your boxcar today! Boxcar sponsorships make unique holiday gifts. For sponsorship levels and more information, please visit www.hmns.org/trains.

Trains Over Texas—the largest model train exhibit in the Lone Star State opens for the holiday season on November 10.

www.hmns.org/trains • www.hmns.org/accessibility

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Sensory Friendly event

Sensory Friendly Event Saturday, September 16, 8 - 10 a.m Your whole family can enjoy sensoryfriendly modifications throughout the Museum. Visit www.hmns.org/ accessibility for more information.

Our community partner SPARK will also be onsite to discuss their groundbreaking research and register participants for their study.

New App HMNS Accessibility - Now on your device! Download our new app to discover resources, games and tips for your visit.

ADULT EDUCATION To register, visit www.hmns.org/adults or call (713) 639-4629. embayment within Shark Bay World Heritage Area in Western Australia.

“Oktoberfest: The History and Science of Beer” Wednesday, September 27, 7 p.m.

Hosted at King’s Bierhaus in the Heights

These modern examples of the first record of life on Earth nearly 3.5 billion years ago provide scientists with a rare window into the early history of life on Earth. Dr. Erica Suosaari, carbonate sedimentologist of the Hamelin Station Reserve will share her research into the interaction between the stromatolite-building microbial communities with their surrounding environment. This event is sponsored

by Bush Heritage Australia.

www.hmns.org/feasts

In 1810, King Ludwig I of Bavaria proclaimed that the last sixteen days of September, ending with the first full weekend in October, should be set aside for feasting and beer drinking.

To commemorate this tradition, join HMNS at the new King’s Bierhaus in the Heights. You will enjoy a traditional Bavarian feast while learning the history and science of beer making. 21 and up only.

DISTINGUISHED LECTURES www.hmns.org/lectures

The largest and most diverse examples of living stromatolites are found in Hamelin Pool, a shallow marine

The lure of what lies over the next horizon has always been a central part of our human quest. Dr. John Kappelman will present the latest research information on about our explorations—places, dates, and even genomic analysis—has helped to more fully and accurately reconstruct the original family album of our trip, changing what we thought we knew.

“Roots of Knowledge: Saving Indigenous Plants for Our Future” Maria Fadiman, Ph.D. Florida Atlantic University Monday, November 6, 6:30 p.m.

Cosponsored by AIA, Houston Society “Rewriting Modern Human Origins: Insights from Morocco” Shara Bailey, Ph.D., NYU Wednesday, November 8, 6:30 p.m.

Cosponsored by The Leakey Foundation

HANDS-ON CLASS

www.hmns.org/aedclasses “Basic Fruit Tree Care” Jean Fefer, Ph.D. and Bob Randall, Ph.D. Saturday, October 14, 9:30 a.m.

This course is cosponsored

by Urban Harvest.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR

Morian Hall of Paleontology— Primates & Humans Wednesday, September 13, 6 p.m.

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www.hmns.org/adults

“Stromatolites—Earth’s First Recorded Experiments with Life Continue in Australia” Erica Suosaari, Ph.D. Bush Heritage Australia Tuesday, September 12, 6:30 p.m.

“The Great Road Trip: New Stories in Human Evolution” John Kappelman, Ph.D. University of Texas Tuesday, September 26, 6:30 p.m.

Reception to follow celebrating AIA’s 50th anniversary. Co-sponsored

by AIA, Houston Society with support from the Ethiopian Consulate General of Houston.

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

CULTURAL FEAST

Wednesday, September 27, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Tuesday, October 24, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

For everyone that has wished to explore HMNS in the cool of the evenings, here’s your chance…

HMNS EVENTS CALENDAR

We don’t mean just the permanent halls, either. Drop by the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, the Cockrell Butterfly Center, Burke Baker Planetarium and all of our special exhibitions—they’ll stay open, too! For the month of September, we’ll offer a special tour of Frensley/Graham Hall of African Wildlife. Take a stroll, catch a flick and enjoy a wonderful evening out at HMNS After Dark.

www.hmns.org/calendar

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SEPTEMBER

EXHIBITION OPENS SUGAR LAND Block Party Too! Friday, September 1 (page 23)

MEMBERS FIRST VIEWING Predators 3D Friday, September 1 (page 16) TAKE TWO Star Trek Friday, September 1, 7:15 p.m. (page 7) BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOURS Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum (page 9) Out of the Amazon: Life on the River (page 14) Tuesday, September 5, 6 p.m.

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT 2nd Saturday Saturday, September 9, 8 a.m. (page 3) MEMBERS ONLY EVENT SUGAR LAND 2nd Saturday Saturday, September 9, 10 a.m. (page 3) BOY SCOUTS AT THE GEORGE Astronomy Merit Badge Saturday, September 9, 4 - 8 p.m. (page 27)

EXHIBITION LAST DAY Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum Sunday, September 10 (page 9)

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Stromatolites—Earth’s First Recorded Experiments with Life Continue in Australia” Tuesday, September 12, 6:30 p.m. (page 29) BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR Morian Hall of Paleontology— Primates & Humans Wednesday, September 13, 6 p.m. (page 29) TAKE TWO Gone with the Wind Friday, September 15, 7:15 p.m. (page 7) SENSORY FRIENDLY EVENT Saturday, September 16, 8 - 10 a.m. (page 28) FAMILY EVENT SUGAR LAND Fossil Wash Day Saturday, September 16, 9 a.m. - noon (page 23) DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “The Religious Question: Texas Colonization, Mexico and the Church, 1770-1836” Tuesday, September 19, 6:30 p.m. (page 11)

SCOUTS STEM/Nova Overnight Friday, September 22, 7 p.m. (page 27) SCOUTS STEM/Nova Day Saturday, September 23, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. (page 27) DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “The Great Road Trip: New Stories in Human Evolution” Tuesday, September 26, 6:30 p.m. (page 29) HMNS AFTER DARK Wednesday, September 27, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. (page 30) CULTURAL FEAST “Oktoberfest: The History and Science of Beer” Wednesday, September 27, 7 p.m. (page 29) MEMBERS NIGHT Tales of a Time Traveler Friday, September 29, 6 - 10 p.m. (page 2) EXHIBITION LAST DAY Tourmaline Treasures Saturday, September 30 (page 15) FALL PLANT SALE Saturday, September 30, 9 a.m. - noon (page 21)

For tickets to all events, visit www

OCTOBER

EXHIBITION LAST DAY Out of the Amazon: Life on the River Sunday, October 1 (page 14)

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Tales of a Time Traveler” Tuesday, October 3, 6:30 p.m. (page 18)

LECTURE & FILM SCREENING Predators 3D Wednesday, October 11, 6:30 p.m. (page 16) MEMBERS NIGHT GEORGE OBSERVATORY Friday, October 13, 7:30 - 10 p.m. (page 3)

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT 2nd Saturday Saturday, October 14, 8 a.m. (page 3) MEMBERS ONLY EVENT SUGAR LAND 2nd Saturday Saturday, October 14, 10 a.m. (page 3) HANDS-ON CLASS “Basic Fruit Tree Care” Saturday, October 14, 9:30 a.m. (page 29) EXHIBITION LAST DAY SUGAR LAND Block Party Too! Sunday, October 15 (page 23)

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

FAMILY EVENT SUGAR LAND Tricks, Treats & T-Rex Saturday, October 21, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (page 23) FAMILY FESTIVAL OktoberPest Saturday, October 21, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. (page 21) ORIONID METEOR SHOWER GEORGE OBSERVATORY Saturday, October 21, 3 p.m. - 2 a.m. (page 20) EXHIBITION LAST DAY Vanishing Arts: Highlights from the Beasley-Hwang Collection Sunday, October 2 (page 15) HMNS AFTER DARK Tuesday, October 24, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. (page 30)

SECRETS AND SLEUTHS MYSTERY NIGHT Wednesday, October 25, 6 p.m. (page 13) BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR Mapping Texas Wednesday, October 25, 6 p.m. (page 11) TAKE TWO The Shining Friday, October 27, 7:15 p.m. (page 7) ASTRONOMY DAY 2017 GEORGE OBSERVATORY Saturday, October 28, 3 - 10 p.m. (page 20) FAMILY EVENT SUGAR LAND T3 Haunted House Friday, October 27, 7 - 10 p.m.

Saturday, October 28, 7 - 10 p.m. (page 23) HALLOWEEN EVENT Spirits & Skeletons Saturday, October 28, 8 p.m. - midnight (page 6)

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www.hmns.org/calendar

EXXONMOBIL EDUCATOR MAKER LAB “Exploring Circuits” Saturday, October 14, 8 a.m. - noon (page 25)

TAKE TWO ParaNorman 3D Friday, October 20, 7:15 p.m. (page 7)

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT Senior Social for Members Wednesday, October 25, 9 a.m. (page 3)

HMNS EVENTS CALENDAR

LECTURE & TOUR “Magnificent Malacology” Tuesday, October 10, 6:30 p.m. (page 8)

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “The Archives War - The True Story of Moving the Capital of Texas from Houston to Austin” Tuesday, October 17, 6:30 p.m. (page 11)

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 • SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2017 • VOLUME 22, NUMBER 5

5555 Hermann Park Drive Houston, Texas 77030

NOW SHOWING ON THE GIANT SCREEN PAGE 16

PREMIERES SEPTEMBER 30 IN THE BURKE BAKER PLANETARIUM PAGE 16

ONLY AT HMNS AT SUGAR LAND! SEPTEMBER 1 - OCTOBER 15