NEWS NEWS LAS VEGAS NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
SUMMER 2015
board news The growth of the Las Vegas Natural History Museum has caused some very exciting changes, one of which has been the expansion of our Board of Directors. As with all non-profit organizations, our Board is the driving force behind the change and culture that are exhibited in the actions of the organization. It is the tireless work of these volunteers that make it possible for our community to enjoy our museum. Mr. Tim Yock CFO of The Rogers Foundation Previously the CFO of Intermountain West Communication Company Mrs. Diane Weeks Vice President and Principal Industry Specialist for the Southern Nevada Business Banking Group of Wells Fargo Bank Mrs. Michele Tell-Woodrow Chief Executive Officer and Creative Director of Preferred Public Relations Mrs. Julie Higgins Private Banker for the Private Client Reserve for Bank of Nevada
WORLD–FAMOUS PALEONTOLOGIST VISITS THE MUSEUM
On Saturday, May 16, the Museum hosted a speaking engagement and book signing with world-famous paleontologist Dr. Jack Horner. He is known for his discovery of Maiasaura, which laid the groundwork for proving some dinosaurs did, indeed, care for their young. Dr. Horner also served as the technical adviser for Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park and was the inspiration for the movie’s lead character, Dr. Alan Grant. There was such a strong response from the public that the speaking engagement had to be moved to a larger location at the Las Vegas Library. Dr. Horner engaged audience members with compelling stories about dinosaur combat and dispelling myths about why bony features such as horns, plates, shields, and spikes were not used for defense or attack. Following the talk, guests filled the Museum’s Grand Hallway waiting to meet the famous “Dinosaur Doctor” and get their books signed. Dr. Horner chatted and met with fans, students, children, parents, and even young, budding paleontologists. Around 200 fans were in attendance for this event.
Joe Tumminia Project Manager Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
Las Vegas Natural History Museum
Summer 2015 // Natural History News // 1
NEWS VOLUNTEER
SPOTLIGHT DON’T MISS
MUMMY MADNESS Dana Olsen has only been volunteering at the Museum for a few months, but she has grown up wandering its galleries and exploring its exhibits. Since she was a young child, Dana’s family has been a member of the Museum. After graduating from Coronado High School, Dana went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Geoscience at UNLV focusing on paleontology and climate. Currently Dana is working as a volunteer field and research assistant for long time friend of the Museum, Dr. Steve Rowland. The team is studying climate patterns by examining 10,000-year-old fossilized pack rat middens in Arizona.
Howard Carter’s discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb in November of 1922 sparked an interest in ancient Egypt and mummies like no other pharaoh’s discovery had before. The boy-king became famous overnight and his mummy has traveled the world since it had been discovered. The Museum will celebrate this historic event on November 7 with Mummy Madness! Discover ancient Egypt through mummy-related activities: follow the clues to solve a mummy mystery during a scavenger hunt; write your name in hieroglyphs and create your own cartouche; build a pyramid worthy of a king; become pharaoh and make a headdress and jewelry; and learn the art of mummification!
Dana loves coming to volunteer at the Museum. “I grew up in this Museum so it kinda feels like home.” It’s probably no surprise after spending so many years at the Museum that Dana would go on to pursue a career in paleontology!
2 // Natural History News // Summer 2015
Las Vegas Natural History Museum
NEWS MAJOR MILESTONE
COLLECTIONS & RESEARCH As the Museum looks into its future, expansion and new relationships are front and center. With Accreditation with the American Museum Alliance accomplished, the Museum is now in a position to bolster its collections and research, furthering the goal of becoming a world-class museum. Recently, the Museum was invited by federal land managers to apply for repository status with the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service. “Becoming a federally recognized repository is huge for the Museum. First, it lets us keep southern Nevada’s natural and cultural heritage close to home, so we don’t have to go across the state line to learn about our own backyard. Second, it strengthens the Museum’s position as being an active participant in science. By contributing to research, the Museum becomes even more relevant in telling Nevada’s stories.” —Dr. Joshua Bonde, Assistant Professor in Residence- Geoscience Department, UNLV and Museum Board Member.
This Fall, a new Collections and Research Facility located adjacent to the current Museum, will welcome the largest archaeological collection in Nevada to be curated, stored, researched and displayed. Over one million archaeological items collected over the past forty years will be housed in the Museum’s facility representing 10,000 years of Nevada prehistory. Additionally, the Museum will begin curation and research of fossils from the now-famous, Tule Springs National Monument site. These important tasks have prompted strong relationships with Public Land Managers, the State of Nevada, Desert Research Institute, UNLV and many others who share the Museum’s passion for providing our community with educational and cultural resources as well as preserving Nevada’s heritage. The Las Vegas Natural History Museum’s Collections and Research Facility and its associated projects have been made possible by generous support from the City of Las Vegas, Nevada Humanities, the U.S. Department of Interior, and the Bureau of Land Management.
SAVE THE DATE! October 17, 2015 is Fossil Day at the Museum Join the Protectors of Tule Springs and the Las Vegas Natural History Museum as we celebrate fossil discovery in Southern Nevada.
Stay up to date on this event through our website and social media!
A mammoth tusk recovered from the Tule Springs fossil beds being prepared in the Las Vegas Natural History Museum paleontology lab.
Las Vegas Natural History Museum
Summer 2015 // Natural History News // 3
NEWS 4TH ANNUAL
SUNDOWN IN DOWNTOWN
CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE! www.LVNHM.org
On June 5, 2015, the Museum hosted over 300 guests at our 4th annual Sundown in Downtown. Special thanks to our main sponsors: Ahern Rentals, COX, Fifth Street Gaming, Galleria at Sunset, Paragon Gaming, Southern Wine & Spirits, Southwest Specialty Contractors, and the Whiting – Turner Contracting Company. The “Night at the Museum”- themed event was the signature summer fundraiser, raising money for the Museum’s unique living collection, exhibits, and educational programs. Guests explored the Museum, enjoyed small bites from Downtown’s favorite restaurants and bars, live entertainment from Castano & the Upfront Band and comedian Paul Scally, plus street performances from Captain Tall Tale. The evening also also featured special guests like cast members from Fantasy at the Luxor and Thunder From Down Under at the Excalibur, Kevin Burke from Defending the Caveman, Sherry Swensk of KLAS TV-8, a Capuchin Monkey (Roos–N–More Zoo), and Mrs. Nevada United States 2015, Jadee Mangel. Many people volunteered their time and talents to make this event a success. The Museum would like to thank everyone that sponsored, donated, and volunteered to make Sundown in Downtown possible. Big Ern’s BBQ
Kappa Toys
Bin 702
Lillie’s Asian Cuisine
Bronze Café
Lucy’s Bar & Grill
By Dzign
LVCVA
City of Las Vegas
Popcorn Girl
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Quality Investigations
The Commissary
Real Water
Courtney Landscape & Pools
Rock ’N’oodles
Cowabunga Bay
Saffron Flavors of India
The Cupcakery
Stardust Fallout
Cox Communications MGM Resorts International Switch NV Energy Las Vegas Review-Journal Western Exterminator Company Wells Fargo Bank Vegas PBS Apollo Robbins
Downtown Grand
Stoli Group
www.LasVegasScienceFestival.com
Full Circle Events
Triple George Grill
Grotto
Vegas Booths
Hometown Kitchen
VEGAS Seven
4 // Natural History News // Summer 2015
Newsletter Designed by: Studio K Productions | StudioKProductions.com Las Vegas Natural History Museum
NEWS
A DECEMBER TO REMEMBER
November 28, 2015 – January 3, 2016 On Saturday, November 28, the Museum will begin its annual A December to Remember cultural exhibition. A variety of displays and special programs will bring insight and understanding to how diverse cultural traditions are practiced, how they differ, and how universal themes of friendship and family manifest at this time of year. Showcasing diversity and the joys of the winter season is just one goal of A December to Remember. As part of this annual event, the Museum brings together a vast array of Las Vegas’ cultural organizations to give visitors a glimpse of important social and cultural traditions during this most celebrated time of the year. Celebrate the 9th year of this important observance of the diversity of our community that is both eye-catching and thought-provoking. Enjoy displays highlighting traditions from countries such as Thailand, Russia, Greece, South Africa, and Mexico. Our neighbors from the Islamic, Jewish, and Buddhist communities help us understand some of their celebrations with their elaborate displays. In addition to the displays and activities, the Museum will host a very special guest on Saturday, December 19. Santa Claus will be visiting the Museum from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and children are invited to visit with him among the reindeer in the International Wildlife Gallery. Visit www.LVNHM.org/events for more information.
Las Vegas Natural History Museum
Summer 2015 // Natural History News // 5
NEWS MEMBERS
CORPORATE DONORS Quest $5,000 and Above Bank of Nevada Joseph Beare & Company LLC LP Insurance Services Sylvester & Polednak, Ltd. Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
Sustaining Friend - $1,000 Timothy & Denise Cashman // Terry Van Noy Homa & Adam Woodrum
HONOR ROLL $100-$249
Paul & Sari Aizley Heather & Charles Barker
Expedition $2,5000 and Above GRIFOLS, Biomat USA Rapport Leadership International Southwest Gas Corp. Exploration $1,000 and Above Nevada Title Company New Market Advisors Vegas Wedding
Christina & Jon Bell Gregory & Jessica Brown Dave & Victoria Case Dawn & Jim Christensen Mary & David Clevidence Dana & Douglas DeGidio Roan & Wesley DeYoung Laura & Blair Duddy Gretchen & Craig Dukes Rosie & Bob Dycus Herbert & Sheila Eberle Paul & Holly Engelien
IN KIND DONATIONS City of Las Vegas Cox Communications Lamar Outdoor Advertising Republic Services Taxi Ads Las Vegas Freeman Company
THANK YOU
AT&T Employee Giving Campaign Dale & Barbara Bake John Brenner Emery Fidelity Charitable Joyce B. Gargan Chris Klineberger Lee McLaury MGM Resorts Foundation Melvin M. Miyamoto Helen Mortenson Oscar & Carolyn Goodman Jane Wilson Zometool Inc.
6 // Natural History News // Summer 2015
Hobreigh & Sheila Fischer Jena & Ryan Gifford Samantha Godbey Sunnie Grigsby
Donald & Georgenia
Rachel & Richard Gluck
Schmidt
Lydia & Ryan Guderjahn
Peter & Lynda Shea
Jodi Hope
Melissa & Ian Shields-Echstad
George Isaacs
Tom & Rosemary Shively Tod Smith
Michael Majewski & Diane Fearon
Mary Steinle
Ansara Martino
Isela & Don Tiburcio
Benjamin & Anna McCann
Judy Trent
Melissa & Lance Michaud
Irene Tsioros
Harry & Helen Mortenson
Diana & Rafael Valencia
Emilia & John Naylor
Lillie Jane & Homer Wilkins
Sarah & Timothy Nelson
Erica & Jonathan Wyche
Owen Nitz
Amanda Yen
Marion & Travis Olson
Paula & William Zappia
Gina & Nathan Robards
FRIENDS OF THE MUSEUM Beginning at $250
Jacqueline & Landen Kessler
Mary Rose Tonya & David Ruby Rob & Lisa Santwer Lenard & Gerri Schwartzer Joel & Amanda Schwarz
Karin Hoff
Lynn & Tom Alessio
Kevin & Terri Janison
Linda Avendano
Gary & Jae Johnson
Robert Bulmer
Andrew & Chrisandra Lashua Lynda & Cesar Lopez
Pamela Caggiano & Art Kohler
David & Kristie McCallum
Robyn Campbell
Denton & Laura Soucie
Victoria Morales
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Carlson
Steven & Stephanie
Meghan & Fred Mossler
Patrick & Mandy Chapin
Stallworth
Genevieve & William O’Brien
Ted & Tamayo Chodock
Anna & Eric Stofsky
Donald & Wanda Olsen
Gary & Joan Compton
David Ungar
Maren & Brandon Parry
Kenna & Jeff Cooper
Kristen Vuckovic
Catherine & Jonas Payne
Jennifer & Adam Courrier
Paul & Melissa Placek
Joy & Anthony DeVries
John Wasserburger & Linda Smith
Jerry & Lotty Polis
Jonathan Dooley
Sarah & Trent Porter
Matt & Elizabeth Engle
Dylan Wint
Renee Rampton
Mary & Christopher Feyt
Amber & Shane Womack
Sophia & Gary Rayner
Leslee Fletcher
Minnie & Jeffrey Wood
Erin & David Singer Aaron & Krysta Smith Tammy & Brandon Smith Terry & Diana Smith
James & Laura Weir
Las Vegas Natural History Museum
NEWS
SPECIAL RECOGNITION to our COMMUNITY PARTNERS Luxor Hotel & Casino For the donation of the Tomb and Museum of King Tutankhamun collection
$3,000,000
Engelstad Family Foundation For an endowment to support traveling exhibits Las Vegas Centennial For their support of Collections
Frank & Victoria Fertitta Foundation For their support of the Open Door and EXPLORE! Programs
$3,000
$1,000,000
Ahern Rentals, Inc. For their support of Special Events
$2,500
$100,000
Galleria at Sunset For their support of Special Events
$2,500
Bureau of Land Management/Dept. of the Interior For their support of Collections
$54,153
Kinder Morgan Foundation For their support of the Education Programs
$2,500
Cox Charities/United Way For their support of Exhibits and Education Programs
$35,000
Landmark Foundation/8 New Now For their support of general operating expenses.
$2,500
Robert S. & Dorothy J. Keyser Foundation For their support of the Expansion Project
$35,000
Macy’s/Bloomingdale’s For their support of the Education Programs
$2,500
Dr. John Wojcik For his donation to the Collections Department
$18,700
National Security Technologies For their support of the Education Programs
$2,500
Paragon Gaming Holding Company, LLC For their support of Special Events
$2,500
Speedway Children’s Charities For their support of the Open Door Program
$2,125
Smithsonian Institute For their support of the Education Programs
$2,000
Committee to Elect Paul Aizley For their support of general operating expenses.
$1,500
Fifth Street Gaming For their support of Special Events
$1,500 $1,500
City of Las Vegas CDBG $17,406 For their support of the Open Door and EXPLORE! Programs Bank of America For their support of the Education Programs and the Museums on Us program
$14,000
Dunn Family Foundation For their support of the Education Programs
$10,000
Animal Planet’s “Tanked” For their custom-built seahorse aquarium
$10,000
John Krakauer Charitable Trust For their support of Animal Care
$10,000
The Boyd Foundation For their continued support of general operating expenses.
$7,500
Kohl’s Department Stores For their support of the Education Programs and general operating expenses.
NV Energy For their support of Animal Care
$5,500
Toyota Financial Savings Bank For their support of the Open Door Program
$1,500
Nevada Humanities For their support of Collections
$5,000
Grand Las Vegas Hotel and Casino For their support of Special Events
$1,250
The Scherrer Foundation For their support of Collections
$5,000
Jon Cobain & Judy Flynn For their support of the Expansion Project
$1,000
Nevada State Bank For their support of the Education Programs
$5,000
Si & Tamara Redd Charitable Foundation For their support of the Education Programs
$1,000
Wells Fargo Bank For their support of the Education Programs
$5,000
The Lionel Foundation For their support of general operating expenses.
$1,000
Razoo Foundation For their donation through Nevada’s Big Give
$4,654
Mark & Carolyn Guidry Foundation For their support of the Education Program
$1,000
United Way For their support of Operating Expenses
$4,605
Tronox $1,000 For their support of Animal Care
George Isaacs For care of collections and Animal Care
$4,500
Whiting-Turner Contracting Company $1,000 For their support of Special Events
Las Vegas Natural History Museum
Summer 2015 // Natural History News // 7
Help Support the educational growth of our community and become a member of the Las Vegas Natural History Museum family. The Museum’s exhibits and special events provide needed educational and cultural resources for the southern Nevada community.
Membership Levels Student/Individual.......................................$35 Grandparent................................................$50 Family...........................................................$65
Dr./Mr./Mrs./Ms.
Friends of the Museum.............................$250 Sponsor......................................................$500 Add Smithsonian Affiliate Membership.....$14
# of Dependent Children
Spouse/Partner Address City
State
Zip
Phone
E-Mail Credit Card #
Expiration Date
Signature
Enclosed is my check for $ We accept VISA, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards. Make check payable to Las Vegas Natural History Museum. The Las Vegas Natural History Museum is a community supported, tax-exempt organization located at 900 Las Vegas Blvd. North, Las Vegas, NV 89101. Our phone number is 702-384-DINO. Visit our website at www.lvnhm.org.
900 N. Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89101 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Las Vegas, NV Permit No. 964