Winter 2011 VMNH Newsletter by Virginia Museum of Natural History

Naturally!

Virginia

Newsletter of the Virginia Museum of Natural History

Winter 2011

Next festival is January 22 The museum’s new family festival, Dog Days of Winter, will be held on Saturday, January 22. The festival is presented in conjunction with the special exhibit Animal Secrets, which will be open from January 22 to May 7, 2011. Dog Days of Winter will feature many of man’s best friends that will entertain and educate visitors on the many unique and important roles canines serve in people’s day-to-day lives.

Participating in this year’s event are Saint Francis Service Dogs, the Martinsville City Police Department’s K-9 unit, and the Martinsville-Henry County SPCA. Additionally, Dr. Joe May of the King’s Mountain Animal Clinic in Martinsville will be on hand to educate visitors on the micro-chipping process that can be used to track dogs and keep them safe. The museum’s other upcoming family festivals include Survivor: Living off the Land on June 4, and Oceans in Motion on July 30.

IN THIS ISSUE

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From the Director: AAM Accreditation Events and Openings Education Programs Upcoming Events

Join VMNH in Costa Rica! See exciting trip details on page 2... 1VMNHNLTRWinter11.indd 1

Animal Secrets, Living off the Land exhibits coming to VMNH The museum’s upcoming special exhibits will allow visitors to get up-close with animals’ habitats, while learning about how humans throughout history have interacted with nature. Where does a chipmunk sleep? What does an eagle feed its young? How do mother bats find their babies in a cave? In the special exhibit Animal Secrets, to be open at VMNH from January 22 to May 7, families will learn the answers to these questions and more as they explore the hidden habitats and secret lives of forest animals. Using imaginative role-play and hands-on activities, children will discover nature from an animal’s point of view in naturalistic environments, including a

stream, woodland, meadow, cave and naturalists tent. The special exhibit Living off the Land will be open at VMNH from June 4, 2011 to January 14, 2012. This exhibit, to be developed by VMNH staff, will highlight the many ways in which humans depend on nature for a wealth of resources, as well as economic, recreational, and aesthetic benefits. The exhibit will include information about Virginia wildlife, modern and ancient hunting and fishing methods, and the evolution of the rifle. The exhibit will also include examples of Native American and prehistoric tools and pottery.

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VMNH • Virginia, Naturally

Director’s Message The Virginia Museum of Natural History is very proud to announce that it has received re-accreditation from the American Association of Museums! This is the gold standard in museum research, education, and exhibits. The long process is engaged every 10 years, so this is the first accreditation for our museum since the opening of our new building in 2007. The staff worked diligently, and were praised in the final evaluation. The AAM site visit was a wonderful experience, and the remarks on the progress and quality of VMNH were glowing. The entire community, our supporters, and our membership should be proud of this as you were all a part of making VMNH what it is today. Of the nearly 18,000 US museums, less than 5 percent ever receive this recognition. Personally, I joined the museum during the last quarter mile of this marathon process, but I am tremendously proud to be a part of this organization. This honor shows that resources invested in our programs are used to maximum benefit, and helps us achieve our mission of interpreting the natural heritage of Virginia. When you come through our front doors next time, remember that you are experiencing amongst the best that museums have to offer.

Gala March 19 The museum’s 2011 gala, “Rainforest Revelry,” will be held on Saturday, March 19 from 7 p.m. to midnight at the museum. Call 276-634-4162 to learn more about this event.

Sincerely, Joe B. Keiper, Ph.D., Executive Director

Jefferson Awards April 8, 2011

Join us in Costa Rica! The Virginia Museum of Natural History is partnering with Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures and Collette Vacations to offer world-wide travel opportunities for VMNH Members and anyone interested in fun, unique, educational, and worry-free travel experiences. The museum’s first trip will be to Costa Rica in September 2011, and will be hosted by museum staff. Experience lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, rumbling volcanoes, and endless coastlines. The museum will host a free informational event on Friday, February 25 at 6 p.m., at the museum. Join us for refreshments as we share more information about this spectacular trip. Proceeds directly benefit VMNH programs. For more information, e-mail information@vmnh.virginia.gov.

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The 24th annual VMNH Thomas Jefferson Awards will be held on Friday, April 8 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the museum. VMNH Foundation Thomas Jefferson Awards honor individuals and corporations for outstanding contributions to natural science and natural science education. Award categories include: Thomas Jefferson Medals for Outstanding Contributions to Natural Science and Natural Science Education; William Barton Rogers Corporate and Individual Awards; Matthew Fontaine Maury Distinguished Service Award; and the Dr. Noel T. Boaz Director’s Award. For information about purchasing tickets for this event, please call 276-634-4162.

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VMNH • Virginia, Naturally

Jurassic Pork BBQ & Chili Cook-off

The Jurassic Pork BBQ and Chili Cook-off was held outside the museum on Saturday, October 23 from 5 to 10 p.m. The event allowed the public to sample some of the region’s best and most unique chili and barbecue. The event also included live music by the Part-time Party Time Band. The event was presented by Stifel Nicolaus, Sam’s Club, Coor’s Light, Pepsi Bottling Group, and the Virginia Lottery.

Young Friends events The Young Friends of VMNH held an “Eighties Party” on Saturday, November 20, along with a “Tacky Christmas Sweater Party” on Thursday, December 16 at the museum. The Young Friends of the Virginia Museum of Natural History is a membership group of the museum for members in their 20s, 30s and 40s. The program aims to raise awareness of the museum among the region’s young professionals and to help attract and retain new museum members. The Young Friends group also supports and promotes the mission of the Virginia Museum of Natural History through a variety of educational, social and fund-raising activities which will provide new audiences and support for museum programs such as exhibits, acquisitions, conservation and expeditions.

Fossil Overlook The Virginia Museum of Natural History’s Fossil Overlook is a new permanent prehistoric life exhibit that includes a variety of fossils, detailed models, casts, and interactive multimedia programs for visitors of all ages. This new exhibit gallery is located on the museum’s upper-level, which was transformed from a reception area to create an additional exhibit space for visitors. In addition to its displays of fossils

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and detailed models, the Fossil Overlook also includes interactive computer stations featuring fun, educational programs for visitors of all ages. The interactive stations were made possible by support from the Ivey Stone Fund of the Martinsville Area Community Foundation. The exhibit gallery also includes a special section titled “Treasures from the Smithsonian.” This area will feature a series of Smithsonian specimens changed

out on a rotating basis. “The museum’s new Fossil Overlook is a wonderful addition to the museum, highlighting the ongoing research conducted by VMNH scientists and affiliated researchers. The scientific collections are the backbone of this museum, and this area will highlight some of these fascinating specimens,” said Dr. Joe B. Keiper, executive director of VMNH.

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VMNH • Virginia, Naturally

Exhibit Spotlight Eyes on Earth Open through January 8, 2011 Special Exhibit Hall Eyes on Earth is a highly interactive science exhibition produced and developed by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) that focuses on NASA’s Earth Observing System (EOS). The exhibit examines how satellite observations are made and what we can learn about the Earth using space technology.

Education Programs Museum public education programs are held in the museum’s Suzanne M. Lacy Education Center and in area parks. Programs are $5 per participant (unless otherwise noted). Pre-registration is required one week prior to each program by contacting the museum at 276-634-4185 or discover@vmnh.virginia.gov. Programs are subject to cancellation if minimum numbers are not met.

Presented by

Hahn Hall of Biodiversity Permanent Exhibit Hall The Hahn Hall of Biodiversity opened August 27, 2010 with an unveiling reception in celebration of this new permanent exhibit gallery. Hahn Hall features the spectacular African mammal collections of Dr. Thomas Marshall Hahn Jr., President Emeritus of Virginia Tech. Dr. Hahn generously donated his extensive collections to VMNH for the enjoyment and education of countless future visitors of all ages.

Documenting Diversity Opening January 22, 2011 Harvest Foundation of the Piedmont Great Hall Biodiversity is the variation of life forms on Earth and within ecosystems. Documenting Biodiversity explores how scientists document and study issues related to Earth’s diversity and shows why such research is important and how it is applied in various disciplines. This exhibit also focuses on the importance of diversity on a global and local scale.

VMNH offers children ages 3 to 5 the opportunity to experience natural history first-hand with the Doodle Bugs! program. The hour-long programs include imaginative stories, fun activities, games and crafts that spark creativity and curiosity. Programs are held at 10 a.m. and repeated at 3 p.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Polar Destination

Animal Secrets January 22 to May 7, 2011 Special Exhibit Hall What do raccoons eat? How does an eagle care for its young? Where does a chipmunk sleep? In Animal Secrets, children and parents will find the answers to questions like these as they explore the hidden habitats and secret lives of forest animals. Through imaginative role-play and multi-sensory, hands-on activities, families will discover nature from an animal’s point of view as they explore immersive, naturalistic environments, including a stream, a woodland, a meadow, a cave, and a naturalists’ tent. Animal Secrets is designed for children ages 3 to 8 and their families. Presented by:

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January 26 All aboard as we plunge into the polar world and make some frosty fun crafts.

Scrumpdidlyumptious February 23 Tickle your taste buds with this fun and edible program!

The Tiny Seed March 30 Springtime is seed time! Examine and sort seeds and find out what they will grow into.

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Reflections of the Heart

VMNH • Virginia, Naturally

February 12, Ages 9 – 12 Explore your creative side while designing Valentine art with math! Create artistic patterns, geometry, and reflections to create visual art for yourself or someone you admire. VMNH Special Saturdays programs make learning fun. Each program explores a different natural history topic through games, crafts, and fun-filled activities. Programs are held from 10 a.m. to noon unless otherwise noted. Fee is $5 and pre-registration is required one week in advance.

Animal Camo January 15, Ages 6 – 8 Discover the variety of ways animals hide and blend into their environments. See if you can find the hidden animals, and then camouflage yourself and see how well you can hide!

Animal Secrets January 29, Ages 6 – 8 Have fun as we use our senses to investigate the woodland animal world. Also, we will explore the Animal Secrets exhibit.

Animal Secrets for the Winter January 29, 1 – 3 p.m., All ages Join us on a hike at Gravely Nature Preserve and discover the secrets on how trees and animals are adapting to the changes in weather.

Discover the Dark February 5, Ages 9 – 12 What’s that lurking in the dark? Learn about nocturnal animals that prefer the dark through games and crafts.

African Art February 5, Ages 5 – 8 In celebration of Black History Month we would like to invite you to come, explore, and create art work from this great continent.

Lovable Art Creations February 12, Ages 5 – 8 Love is in the air! Come and create natural art work for that special someone.

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Cool Careers in Science! February 12, Ages 12 – 14 In this program, participants will get to see the benefits of studying science and the many opportunities they have after completing school. Students will conduct fun explorations and activities to see which field they enjoy most.

Animal Behavior February 26, Ages 5 – 7 Location: Wilson Park Participants will explore the world of animal behavior through several “Sharing Nature with Children” activities.

March 12 (rain date March 19) 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. All Ages, FREE Jack Dalton Park, Henry County Come out to Jack Dalton Park and fly a kite! Festival-goers will learn about wind, play games, make kites, and see amazing demonstrations that would not be possible without wind!

The Luck of the Artist March 5, Ages 5 – 8 Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Museum! Join us in observance of this “green” holiday with hands-on activities and crafts inspired by St. Patrick’s Day and its history.

Defying Gravity March 19, Ages 9 – 12 Participants use everyday objects to create a gravity-powered car.

Young Inventors March 26, Ages 9 – 12 Join us for a day of creative inventing while we build machines to solve some interesting problems. Learn about simple machines, and then use them to create your own inventions.

Homeschool Wednesdays With this new program, homeschool students come together on the second Wednesday of the month for a program in which the education staff provides hands-on learning activities. Students are divided into two groups, one for ages 6 to 10 years and another for ages 11 to 18 years. Upcoming programs include: Characteristics of Organisms (January 12); Life Cycles (February 9); and Environmental Science (March 16). Homeschool parents may attend the program with their child or spend time in the Teacher Resource Center. For more information, call 276-634-4185 or e-mail discover@vmnh.virginia.gov.

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VMNH • Virginia, Naturally

Jammy Jams Are your young children dressed for bed but won’t go to sleep? Bring your children, ages 3 – 5 years, to the museum to enjoy some “edutainment.” Come in your pajamas and enjoy the excitement of an overnight quest without spending the night.

Sleep Tight, Don’t Let the Dinos Bite! Join us on this fabulous adventure as we enjoy fun crafts, games, and stories that deal with dinosaurs. February 18, 6 – 9 p.m., Ages 3 – 5 with adult Fee: $20 for a parent and a child and $10 each additional child.

PajamArt Safari Join us as we create art inspired by the jungle and go on a brief safari through the museum. March 18, 6 – 9 p.m., Ages 3 – 5 with adult Fee: $20 for a parent and a child and $10 each additional child.

Winter Skies January 28 – 29, 6 p.m. – 9 a.m. Ages 8 – 11 Come and explore the sky both indoors and outdoors in this out-of-this-world sleepover! Fee: $40 per child and one adult; $25 for each additional child; $10 for each additional adult chaperone.

Celebrating Black History Month: From Africa to Virginia February 25 – 26, 6 p.m. – 9 a.m., Ages 8 – 13 This sleepover will explore history, culture, and so much more. Come one and all and learn about a continent that is rich in beauty, culture, history, and natural resources. Fee: $40 per child and one adult; $25 for each additional child; $10 for each additional adult chaperone.

Science Discovery March 11 – 12, 6 p.m. – 9 a.m. Junior Girl Scouts In observance of Expanding Girls’ Horizons in Science and Engineering Month we are offering Junior Girl Scouts the opportunity to complete requirements for their Science Discovery badge. Fee: $40 per scout; $10 adult chaperone; leaders no fee All sleepovers include a pizza dinner, evening snack, and a continental breakfast. Scouts will receive a sleepover patch and certificate. Scouts may come as a troop or as an individual. Adult chaperones are required. Pre-registration is required. Contact the museum for more information and sleepover forms.

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Deep-Ocean Drilling Coming to VMNH VMNH has been awarded a Distinguished Lecture Program from the Consortium for Ocean Leadership. Oceanographer Dr. James Cowen will present “Life Deep Beneath the Ocean: The Most Remote Biosphere on Earth” on Friday, February 25 at 7 p.m. at the museum. This free public program will be offered with support from the Consortium. The Consortium for Ocean Leadership is a Washington, DC-based nonprofit organization that represents 95 of the leading public and private ocean research education institutions, aquaria and industries. The Ocean Leadership Distinguished Lecturer Series brings the scientific explorations and discoveries of the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program research to undergraduate and graduate students, the geoscience community, and the general public. Dr. Cowen is a research professor in the Department of Oceanography at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Cowen’s interests include interdisciplinary research into life in extreme environments and the development of instrumentation to enable such research. In addition, Ocean Leadership’s educational organization, Deep Earth Academy, will present interactive workshops for school children on Friday, February 25, and teacher workshops on Saturday, February 26. Teachers can call 276.634.4185 to preregister by February 18.

New Scientific Publications Three new scientific publications are available from VMNH’s Jeffersoniana series. Each is available as a free electronic file on the museum’s Web site. Titles include: Jeffersoniana 23, Diatom biostratigraphy and paleoecology of vertebrate-bearing Miocene localities in Virginia, coauthored by VMNH Associate Curator of Paleontology Dr. Alton Dooley, Jr. and former museum intern Anna Trochim. Jeffersoniana 24, A middle Miocene beaked whale tooth Caroline County, Virginia (Cetacea: Ziphiidae) from the Carmel Church Quarry, Virginia, and implications for the evolution of sexual dimorphism in ziphiids, by Dr. Alton Dooley Jr. Jeffersoniana 25, Reconnaissance Mineralogy of the Eocene Mole Hill Diatreme, Rockingham County, Virginia, by Dr. James S. Beard, director of research and collections and curator of earth sciences.

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VMNH • Virginia, Naturally

Warm up with hot soups and drinks at the Paleo Café. Visit www.vmnh.net for PALEO Café hours and listings of delicious specials.

Check out our upcoming field trips scheduled for spring and summer 2011 at

www.vmnh.net.

Curators’ Corner Virginia Museum of Natural History Curator of Mammalogy Dr. Nancy Moncrief was published in the October 2010 issue of the Journal of Mammalogy. The 11-page technical article, titled “Eastern fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) lacks phylogeographic structure: recent range expansion and phenotypic differentiation,” reports results of her collaborative research with colleagues at Oklahoma State University on the genetics of the Eastern fox squirrel species. The entire article can be read online at www.vmnh.net. Curator of Archaeology Dr. Elizabeth Moore will become president-elect of the Archeological Society of Virginia beginning January 1, 2011. Moore, who has been active within the society for multiple years and has served on the board of directors since the beginning of 2010, will become president on January 1, 2013. Formed in 1940, ASV is one of the oldest state archeological societies in the country. The volunteer organization promotes the study and spread of knowledge of archaeology, anthropology, and proper conservation and exploration of archaeological sites and materials. The society also offers the archeological technician certification program, which gives members the opportunity obtain recognition for formal, extended training. Anyone interested in joining the local Patrick Henry Chapter of the Archeological Society of Virginia should contact Dr. Elizabeth Moore at 276-634-4176.

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The Virginia Museum of Natural History at 21 Starling Avenue, Martinsville, VA is the state museum of natural history for Virginia, seeking to preserve, study and interpret the wealth of Virginia’s natural heritage. The museum promotes research, education, exhibits, publications and programs in natural history. VMNH ADMISSION $9/Adults, $7/College Students and Senior Citizens, and $5/Children and Youth 3 to 18. Children under 3 and VMNH members are always free with membership card. Group rates are available. VMNH HOURS Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is closed on Sundays as well as Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Please call ahead for current hours of operation. The museum is within easy driving distance of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Roanoke, Lynchburg, Danville and Greensboro, NC. For more information about membership, museum exhibits, group tours, or special events, please visit our Web site at www.vmnh.net or call 276-634-4141.

Newsletter Production Editor Ryan L. Barber Art Director Melody Cartwright Managing Editor Jessica Davenport Copy Editor Zachary S. Ryder

Executive Staff Executive Director Joe B. Keiper, Ph.D. Director of Administration and Services Gloria W. Niblett Director of Research and Collections James S. Beard, Ph.D. Director of Education and Public Programs Dennis A. Casey, Ph.D. Director of Marketing and External Affairs Ryan L. Barber Director of Development Debra J. Lewis

&+ 00, & 1&,+ 4&1% 1%" 0*&1%0,+& + &+01&121&,+ The Virginia Museum of Natural History is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is a member of the Association of Science-Technology Centers, Southeastern Museums Conference, Natural Science Collections Alliance, Virginia Association of Museums, and Museum Store Association. VMNH is an agency of the Secretary of Natural Resources for the Commonwealth of Virginia. The VMNH Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization.

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NON PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID Martinsville, VA PERMIT NO. 456

21 Starling Avenue Martinsville, VA 24112 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Employees of the Month September: Robin Jensen October: Joel Clifton November: Dr. Nancy Moncrief

Volunteers of the Month September: Bryce Denny October: Gwen Sowden November: Mary Pickett December: Aileen Bourne and Camron Culligan

Drop by the PALEO Café for lunch Monday – Saturday. 8

VMNH • Virginia, Naturally

Corporate Members and Sponsors Bassett Furniture Industries Foundation, Bassett Office Supply, BB&T, Blue Ridge Packaging Corp., Building Supply Company, Inc., Carter Bank & Trust CenturyLink, Charity League of Martinsville-HC, Chick-Fil-A of Liberty Fair Mall, El Norteno Mexican Restaurant, Hooker Furniture Corporation, Kings Mountain Animal Clinic, Lester Group, Inc., M-HC Economic Development Corporation, Marjorie Sutton Memorial Fdn., Martinizing Dry Cleaning, Martinsville First Savings Bank, Memorial Hospital of Martinsville, Norfolk Southern Corporation, Norris Funeral Services, Inc., nTelos, Painted Plate Catering, Pepper Moon Catering, Pigs-R-Us, Inc., Pizza Hut, Quality Inn/Dutch Inn, Ratatouille Catering LLC, Rising Sun Breads LLC, S & K Office Products, Inc., Sam’s Club, State Farm Insurance, Stifel Nicolas, SunTrust Bank, Susan Critz Catering, Tacoma, Inc., The Eye Site, Virginia Lottery, Vistar Eye Center, Wal-Mart

Upcoming Events January 1 – Closing of the Clues to the Past: Archaeology in Virginia exhibit. January 8 – Closing of the Eyes on Earth exhibit. January 20 – Opening reception for the Animal Secrets exhibit, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. January 22 – Opening reception for the Dog Days of Winter festival.

Opening of the Animal Secrets and Documenting Diversity exhibits.

February 25 – Information session: VMNH Costa Rica Trip, 6 p.m.

Distinguished Lecture by Dr. James Cowen, 7 p.m.

March 19 – VMNH Foundation Gala, “Rainforest Revelry” As part of VMNH’s Green Initiative, the newsletter is printed on recycled paper. In addition, it is printed with vegetable-based ink.

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April 8 – VMNH Foundation Thomas Jefferson Awards, 6–7:30 p.m. green initiative 12/15/10 3:17:49 PM