Event name: AMNH Excursion Report
Event time and place: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY. November 16, 2024
The fossil halls of the Museum of Natural History bring the evolutionary story to life through its fossils and thematic models. Each hall is designed with a clear organizing principle that connects the physical arrangement of fossils to the evolutionary relationships between species. The use of life-sized models, skeletal reconstructions, and interactive graphics allows visitors to visualize what ancient creatures looked like and how they lived. Some halls are arranged chronologically, moving through different geological periods, while others are organized thematically, focusing on key adaptations or evolution. Despite this thorough and engaging atmosphere, they also reveal how exhibits need updates to reflect ongoing discoveries in paleontology. Updating exhibits with modern findings such as the rediscovery of Coelacanths or the reconstruction of Deinocheirus, poses challenges in terms of space and design but is essential to keep the halls accurate and engaging for visitors.
Dr. Holtz’s tour: Dr. Holtz explained how a two million year long rain event transformed ecosystems, leading to the dominance of large plant-eating dinosaurs capable of reaching the tops of tall trees. This connection between climate change and evolution is well illustrated using life-sized sauropod models and models showing the growth of ancient forests. The exhibit also tackles misconceptions about Velociraptors, which were small, feathered dinosaurs. The raptors in Jurassic Park were based on Deinonychus, a larger and more intimidating relative. Using models of both species helps clarify the distinction, making the scientific explanation more engaging. Despite this engaging atmosphere, the museum still fell prey to some errors and misconceptions. Initially, scientists knew Deinocheirus only from its massive arms, leaving its full appearance a mystery. Recent discoveries reveal it as a large dinosaur with a humped back and duck-bill-like features. Updating the exhibit with a full reconstruction and habitat display would reflect these findings but would require substantial redesign to fit the model. In addition, A fossil once believed to belong to Apatosaurus was later identified as a distinct dinosaur. This highlights the evolving nature of paleontology. The exhibit could include updated labels and an explanation of how this misclassification was resolved. The challenge would be presenting this correction in a way that doesn’t confuse visitors.
The title of the Space Show at the American Museum of Natural History in New York is "Worlds Beyond Earth". The theme explores the dynamic nature of the solar system, emphasizing the connections between planets, moons, and other celestial bodies. It highlights recent discoveries, focusing on topics such as Jupiter's magnetic fields, the evolution of Venus, the oceans on moons like Europa, and the Earth's own geophysical processes. The information presented combines data based on scientific measurements and observations with high-quality visualizations created using advanced animation and graphics technology. This blend makes it clear which parts are based on actual data and which are artistic representations to help illustrate complex phenomena. One fascinating piece of information presented is the role of Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere in fostering life, in contrast to other planets and moons. For many visitors, the comparisons between Earth's unique qualities and other celestial bodies may be new and thought-provoking.
The American Museum of Natural History works hard to ensure its exhibits and programs are accessible and engaging for its diverse audience. One way the museum provides accessibility is through elevators and ramps throughout its buildings, ensuring that visitors with wheelchairs, strollers, or other mobility aids can navigate the exhibits easily. For example, the Rose Center for Earth and Space features wide pathways and accessible viewing areas. Another way is multilingual resources such as signs and information in multiple languages, including Spanish, Mandarin, and French, to cater to the international audience. Certain exhibits include tactile elements (such as replicas of fossils or meteorites) and large, clear graphics to help visually impaired visitors or those with cognitive differences engage with the material. These accommodations ensure that the museum remains accessible and enjoyable for its broad and diverse audience. Additional improvements, such as expanding multilingual signage or offering more exhibits that can be touched, could further enhance the experience for all visitors.