Group of museum members talking to Curator Brian Atkinson.

Members Only Events

The events below are only open to current KU Natural History Museum members. Not a member yet? Join today!

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Upcoming Events

Hexagon shapes with a moose, polar bear and presenters Chris Beard and Laura Otis.

Staging Nature: A MacArthur Fellows Event

Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 5:30-6:30 p.m.
The Commons, 1340 Jayhawk Blvd, Lawrence, KS 66045

Before the event, Staging Nature: Dioramas, Museums, and our Changing Relationships to the Natural World, featuring MacArthur Fellows Dr. Chris Beard and Dr. Laura Otis, museum members and donors are also invited to a private meet and greet with Dr. Beard and Dr. Otis on Thursday, November 5 from 5:00-6:30 p.m. in the Panorama Gallery at the at the KU Natural History Museum. Food and beverages will be provided. The meet and greet is open to museum members and donors only and also requires separate registration. The panel discussion will follow the event. 


 

Register Here
Stack of books of featured authors from the KU Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum.

Meet the Authors: Member Event

Friday, December 4, 2026 | 5:30-7:30 p.m.
1345 Jayhawk Blvd, Lawrence, KS 66045

Join us for our next KU Natural History Museum member event, where we will be highlighting our resident authors!

Our next member event is coming up, and you will not want to miss it! At this event, we will be highlighting BI/NHM staff and associates who are authors. Come and join us on Friday, December 4th, from 5:30 to 7:30 and talk with faculty, staff, and friends of the museum about their published works, and learn more about what they are researching and the work of their division.

Authors include: 

  • Bruce Lieberman, Macroevolutionaries 
  • Carlton Shield Chief Gover, Indigenizing Archaeology 
  • Caleb Morse, A New Guide to Kansas Mushrooms 
  • Craig Freeman, Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines in Kansas;Kansas Wildflowers and Weeds 

Food and drinks will be provided. This event is free for all KU Natural History Museum members and donors. Members are also encouraged to bring their friends and family to this event!

This event is free, but registration is required.
 

Register Here

Past Events

Member Event: Student Showcase

Thursday, May 7, 2026 | 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Did you know the KU Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum helps undergraduate students explore careers in science and museums through mentorship, networking, and community building? Undergraduates also play a big role in current research projects, educational programs, and more — and we want to recognize their contributions! Join us in celebrating their achievements at the KU Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum Student Showcase. 
 

Member Event: Night Explorers

Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Become a Night Explorer and discover the source of nature sounds at this exclusive after hours museum member event. Guided by lantern light and sound, you’ll explore our galleries looking for several learning stations where you’ll connect one-on-one with scientists who study animals using the sounds they make. Along the way, you’ll even collect your own “specimens” to take home and have opportunities to ask researchers questions and discover how sound helps researchers study biodiversity. Adventure clothing is optional but encouraged!