Afternoon at the Smithsonian – Time Well Spent
Cover photo: Susan Martel
The first ‘Afternoon at the Smithsonian’ CE tour was a big success.
Ocean Hall. Photo – Sarah Miller
This tour identifies the relationship of some Natural History Museum exhibits to the natural environment of Virginia including the geologic history, mineralogy, entomology, osteology, evolution, mammalogy, and many other topics. Some of the take-aways include an introduction of how the NMNH’s display collection can be used to enrich the naturalist’s understanding of science, the scientific method, and some techniques that are applicable to naturalists’ domain of interests; as well as some facts related to the natural condition and history of Virginia.
Photo – Sarah Miller
The CE tour was developed and led by FMN Dr. John Kelmelis. He is former Chief Scientist for Geography for the U.S. Geological Survey, Senior Counselor for Earth Science at the U.S. Department of State, former Professor of Science, Technology and International Policy at Pennsylvania State University. He holds a BA in Earth Science; MS in Engineering; and Ph.D. in Geography. He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and has held positions in many national and international scientific organizations. He is a volunteer and docent at the Smithsonian Institution and a Virginia Master Naturalist in the Fairfax County chapter.
Talking bones. Photo – Susan Martel
While the tour inevitably talked ‘big picture’ natural science concepts, the attendees mentioned they appreciated how John tailored his discussions towards the Virginia area and even specific FMN course material when appropriate.
In general, tour topics covered and Halls visited include:
1. Geology Gems and Minerals Hall
2. Butterfly Pavilion (in passing) and Insect Zoo
3. Bones
4. Ocean Hall
5. Deep time
6. Mammals
7. Ornithology
Geology. Photo – Sarah Miller
Everyone walked away from the program feeling it was two hours very well spent. FMNs on the tour were: Susan Martel, Peter Mecca, Margaret Coffey, Ramona Bourgeois, Sarah Miller, and Liz Nalle. Thank you to Susan and Sarah for sharing photos of the event.
John will schedule more tours over the course of the next several months as his schedule permits.
Our world is a creation of inordinate complexity, richness, and strangeness that is absolutely fascinating. Come – see for yourself.
Keep an eye on upcoming FMN newsletters for CE announcements.
