Members Only Events
The events below are only open to current KU Natural History Museum members. Not a member yet? Join today!
Become a MemberUpcoming Events
Member Event at the McGregor Herbarium
Sunday, October 19, 2025 | 2-4 p.m.
2045 Constant Ave, Lawrence, KS 66047
Join us for an exclusive tour of the McGregor Herbarium and discover how staff and volunteers in the KU Botany Division prepare plant, lichen, and fungus specimens—from the field to the herbarium cabinet. Learn how these specimens contribute to our understanding of the biodiversity and ecology of the grasslands of central North America and beyond.
With nearly half a million specimens, the R.L. McGregor Herbarium is the largest single collection documenting the flora of the Great Plains. The collection is a critical part of the global biodiversity research infrastructure and supports the KU Biodiversity Institute’s informal science education and teaching missions.
You will have a chance to learn about the history and significance of KU’s plant collection and explore the spaces where specimens are prepared and stored. Staff will be on hand to demonstrate the process by which a plant becomes a specimen. We’ll also showcase some of our oldest and most fascinating specimens and demonstrate how they continue to play a vital role in botanical research today. There will be fun for the whole family, including botany-themed activities for kids and adults, refreshments, and a chance for members to relax in the shade of the former national champion rock elm.
Past Events
Night in the Museum
March 18, 2025 | 6:00-9:00pm
What happens after dark in the Natural History Museum? Explore the galleries and see for yourself! Members are invited to explore the museum's exhibits from 6-7 PM and engage with researchers, then watch a movie in the Panorama gallery—Night at the Museum (optional). Pizza will be provided by Johnny’s Tavern North and beer and wine will be provided by City Wine Market. Kid-friendly drinks also provided. Exhibit activities appropriate for children 5 and up. Movie is rated PG.
Registration will open on February 11th. Members, watch your email for the link to sign-up. Please, this event is popular and there will be a waitlist. If you sign up but determine later that you cannot attend, please contact the museum so that someone on the waitlist can attend instead.
Members' Night: Exploring Research-based Exhibits
Saturday, December 7, 2024 | 5:00-7:00 pm
Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while interacting with BI/NHM scientists and celebrate the grand opening of our newest exhibit, “Fossil Mammals in Turkey.” From fossils to ferrets, there is something for everyone to discover!
This exclusive event for museum members will be an opportunity to gain in-depth access to our exhibits and BI/NHM scientists. We will feature several research-based exhibits throughout the museum, including displays on black-foot ferret conservation, parasites of sharks and rays, plant and animal fossils, and more. Scientists will be stationed by their exhibits and available to answer questions and discuss their research.
The evening will also be the grand opening of our newest exhibit, “Fossil Mammals from Turkey” curated by Vertebrate Paleontologist Chris Beard, based on his research on in Turkey. Touchable fossil replicas and interactive displays guide visitors back in time to investigate how species arrived on the lost island continent of Balkanatolia, and how teeth are used to identify different mammal groups that were found there. Learn about a new group of extinct saber-tooths as you explore the diverse group of mammals known as afrotheres.
Behind-the-Scenes: Honoring Charles Bunker
April 13, 2024 | 6:30-8:30pm
For KUNHM enthusiasts! Explore the contributions made by legendary museum staffer Charles Bunker by going behind-the-scenes in the mammalogy, ornithology, and vertebrate paleontology collections. Learn from Bunker's grandson, Chuck Warner, how the now-famous Bunker Mosasaur was found. Snacks and beverages provided, plus time to mingle and ask questions after the tours. Appropriate for children twelve and older.
A big 'thank you' to our food and drink sponsors for this event: City Wine Market and Albert and Barbara Ballard.