KU Natural History Museum to host a members’ night event featuring research-based exhibits.

LAWRENCE – Enjoy an evening exploring the natural world with hot chocolate and cookies, and celebrate the grand opening of our newest exhibit, “Fossil Mammals in Turkey.” From fossils to ferrets, there is something for everyone to discover at the KU Natural History Museum during the event Members’ Night: Exploring Research-based Exhibits.

This exclusive event will be an opportunity to gain in-depth access to our research-based exhibits and scientists. The event, which is for museum members, will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 7 at the KU Natural History Museum. Registration is required.

Several research-based exhibits will be featured, including displays on black-footed 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 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.

The KU Natural History Museum is part of the KU Biodiversity Institute, a KU-designated research center studying the biological diversity of life on Earth. The museum is in historic Dyche Hall, 1345 Jayhawk Blvd., and is open to the public 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sunday. Suggested donations are $7 for adults and $4 for children. Members and KU students are free. Learn more at KU Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum.