CLEVELAND—January 9, 2023—On Monday, January 16, 2023, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History will welcome all guests, free of charge, in celebration of Discovery Day. Each year, cultural, civic, and science institutions honor the memory of Martin Luther King Jr. by inviting the community to enjoy their spaces, exhibits, and attractions at no cost.
The Museum will be open and free to the public on Monday, January 16, from 10am to 5pm. No pre-registration is required for entry; visitors will be admitted upon arrival.
This Discovery Day, Museum guests are invited to connect with Museum scientists, watch wildlife presentations, take part in hands-on activities, and more, including:
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Study a fascinating display of objects—donated by Clevelander Dr. Williard Harper, who as a United Nations Representative held important posts across Africa—that speak to the celebration of nature in various African cultures.
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Learn how the Museum works to protect, restore, and maintain 12,000 acres of habitats across Northeast Ohio.
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Visit with researchers, get a close-up view of several fossil casts from the Museum’s collection, and find out about current research regarding the connection between humans and our closest primate relatives.
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Travel through time to learn from Museum researchers about fieldwork exploring Ohio's prehistoric artifacts, and to uncover the mysteries of the Early Stone Age.
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Learn about the fieldwork Museum researchers are conducting in Ohio and Australia.
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Learn how scientists at the Museum use 3D scanning to capture details of fossils with such accuracy that they can be recreated, and interact with a sample of objects created using 3D printing.
At noon in Murch Auditorium, join the Museum’s Curator of Human Health & Evolutionary Medicine, Dr. Nicole Burt, as she hosts a panel discussion titled It Starts With Me: Taking Action on Health in Our Community. Featuring industry and community experts actively working as agents of change, panelists will participate in an interactive conversation inspired by University Circle Inc’s MLK Day theme, “It Starts With Me: Cultivating a Beloved Community Mindset To Transform Unjust Systems.” These Clevelanders will talk about their work to create a better future by addressing some of the health and environmental issues facing Northeast Ohio—and will share how audience members can get involved. The panel will feature:
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Dr. Edward Barksdale Jr. – Pediatric Surgeon, University Hospitals. In addition to being a nationally recognized leader in pediatric surgery, Dr. Barksdale recently launched a hospital-based violence-intervention program for teens called Antifragility Initiative, aimed at reducing recidivism, preventing adverse outcomes, and improving the patient’s overall well-being.
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Tracie Washington – Community Action Program Manager, Environmental Health Watch (EHW). EHW is a collaborative of concerned neighbors and health professionals working to respond to pervasive health hazards in Northeast Ohio homes and communities. EHW provides education, advocacy, and direct services to families while also working to change public policy to address critical environmental and health issues. Lead hazards in dust, soil, and paint are a prominent focus of EHW.
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Kim Smith Woodford – Lifetime Member, Black Environmental Leaders Association (BEL) and Founder/Principal Consultant, Journey of Yonder, LLC. BEL uses diversity, equity, and inclusion as the lens by which they advocate and educate for environmental justice. Journey of Yonder inspires Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) to have healthy and fun experiences in nature. Connecting with nature leads to improved health outcomes and stronger environmental stewardship.
Additionally, the following Museum spaces and exhibits will be open throughout the day:
About the Cleveland Museum of Natural History Transformation Project
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History broke ground in June 2021 on a $150 million transformation project, which features an expansion, a complete reimagining of its campus and all its exhibits, and the addition of new public spaces. Pioneering a new model for natural history museums, this bold reinvention will place visitors at the center of the Museum experience—allowing them to better understand their connection with the natural world and the relevance of science to their daily lives. The transformed space will reflect the Museum’s world-class assets while serving as a trusted community resource that prioritizes accessibility and engagement. The Transforming the World of Discovery campaign has raised more than $122 million for this project, which will expand the Museum's building and outdoor visitor areas to more than 375,000 square feet. The Museum appreciates the generous support from community members, corporations, foundations, and government grants that has helped to make this transformation a reality.
About the Cleveland Museum of Natural History
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History illuminates the world around us and inspires visitors to engage with the natural forces that shape their lives. Since its founding in 1920, the Museum has pioneered scientific research to advance knowledge across diverse fields of study and used its outstanding collections, which encompass more than 5 million artifacts and specimens, to deepen the public’s understanding of the dynamic connections between humans and nature. Through its Natural Areas Program, the Museum stewards 12,000 acres of protected ecosystems across northern Ohio. A community gathering place, educational center, and research institution, the Museum is a vital resource that serves Cleveland and the nation. For more information, visit CMNH.org.