Summer Camps

Snake Hike

When: Saturday, August 30, 4:30-7:00 p.m.Where: Powdermill Nature ReserveTickets: Free They slither, they sunbathe, they smell – they’re snakes! Snakes are our cold-blooded friends, and they play an important role in our ecosystem. Join us on a hike as we seek out the s......More

When: Saturday, August 30, 4:30-7:00 p.m.Where: Powdermill Nature ReserveTickets: Free They slither, they sunbathe, they smell – they’re snakes! Snakes are our cold-blooded friends, and they play an important role in our ecosystem. Join us on a hike as we seek out the snakes at Powdermill. Learn about their role in the environment and the methodology used by researchers to attract them. We will also teach you about safety measures and how to spot venomous species. Preteens and older are welcome! Wear sturdy shoes and pants. We will go off trail during this event. Register today!

Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States

Powdermill Avian Research Center Guided Tour

When: Friday, September 5, 2025, 8:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Where: Powdermill Nature Reserve Tickets: Free Enjoy a free guided tour of the bird banding lab and research facility including the flight tunnel. Visit the bird banding lab and see up-close how researchers safely cap......More

When: Friday, September 5, 2025, 8:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Where: Powdermill Nature Reserve Tickets: Free Enjoy a free guided tour of the bird banding lab and research facility including the flight tunnel. Visit the bird banding lab and see up-close how researchers safely capture and band birds, and learn about the data they gather. Learn about how we’re studying avian perception of glass to provide glass manufacturers and building designers with important information that will help reduce bird-window collisions. This event takes place in an area typically closed to the public—don’t miss it! Guests must pre-register for the tour and arrive at Powdermill Avian Research Center by 8:00 a.m. The tour is 1.5 hours long. Register Today!

Family Nature Hike

When: Saturday, September 6, 2025, 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.Where: Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA 15677Tickets: Free Join us as we hit the trails for a guided nature walk! We’ll meet in the atrium of the Powdermill Nature Center before heading outside t......More

When: Saturday, September 6, 2025, 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.Where: Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA 15677Tickets: Free Join us as we hit the trails for a guided nature walk! We’ll meet in the atrium of the Powdermill Nature Center before heading outside to explore. This family-friendly experience is open to participants of all ages. Events fill up fast! Registration is recommended to guarantee your spot and help us plan timing, seating, and/or trail routes. If there are spots available at the time of the program, non-registered individuals can join on a first-come, first-served basis. Register Today!

Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States

Storytime at the Museum

When: Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m.–10:45 a.m. Where: Carnegie Museum of Natural History Tickets: Free with Museum Admission Join us for Storytime at the Museum! Hear nature and science stories read by our Natural History Interpreters and get a chance to touch m......More

When: Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m.–10:45 a.m. Where: Carnegie Museum of Natural History Tickets: Free with Museum Admission Join us for Storytime at the Museum! Hear nature and science stories read by our Natural History Interpreters and get a chance to touch museum specimens. Stop by for one page, one book, or stay for the whole 45 minutes. Meets at the bench in the entrance of the Kamin Hall of Dinosaurs. Registration is not required. Buy your tickets in advance!  

At the Museum, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213-4007, United States

R.W. Moriarty Science Seminar: Restoring an Ancient Fishpond in Maui, Hawaiʻi

Talk: Restoring an Ancient Fishpond in Maui, Hawaiʻi Speaker: Kiaʻi Collier, Maui Steward and Educator When: Monday, September 8, 2025, 12:00–1:00 p.m. Where: Earth Theater and online via Zoom Tickets: Free. Museum admission not required. Maui steward and educator Kiaʻi......More

Talk: Restoring an Ancient Fishpond in Maui, Hawaiʻi Speaker: Kiaʻi Collier, Maui Steward and Educator When: Monday, September 8, 2025, 12:00–1:00 p.m. Where: Earth Theater and online via Zoom Tickets: Free. Museum admission not required. Maui steward and educator Kiaʻi Collier is leading the restoration of an ancient fishpond in Maui, Hawaiʻi that is the piko (source) to restore social and ecological function in the community of  Waiheʻe. Learn how Collier leads a hui (group) that is applying ancient techniques of Uhau Humu Pōhaku to heal land and Hawaiian communities. Registration is required to attend R.W. Moriarty Science Seminars. Sign-up below to attend in person or click here to join us via Zoom.        Upcoming R.W. Moriarty Science SeminarsLearn about scientific discoveries directly from the experts in the field. Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s scientific research staff and invited speakers discuss their latest findings on numerous scientific topics through the 2025 – 2026 R.W. Moriarty Science Seminar season.

R.W. Moriarty Science Seminar: The Colors of Dinosaurs

Talk: The Colors of Dinosaurs: Using the Fossil Record and Living Birds to Determine Extinct Animal Coloration Speaker: Dr. Sarah Davis, Collection Manager of Paleobiology, Carnegie Museum of Natural History When: Thursday, October 9, 2025, 6:00–7:00 p.m. Where: Art The......More

Talk: The Colors of Dinosaurs: Using the Fossil Record and Living Birds to Determine Extinct Animal Coloration Speaker: Dr. Sarah Davis, Collection Manager of Paleobiology, Carnegie Museum of Natural History When: Thursday, October 9, 2025, 6:00–7:00 p.m. Where: Art Theater and online via Zoom Tickets: Free. Museum admission not required. Dr. Sarah Davis, Collection Manager of Paleobiology, will present her research on determining the colors of extinct dinosaurs using both fossil evidence and insights from living animals. While many fossils show that dinosaurs could have had black, brown, grey, and even shiny colors, not all pigments will fossilize. By looking at the evolution of pigments in living animals, along with evidence from the fossil record, it is possible to infer if dinosaurs may have also been able to express bright colors such as red, yellow, and pink. Dr. Davis will discuss which dinosaurs may have been most likely to express these vivid colors, and ongoing challenges in the field of paleo-coloration. Registration is required to attend R.W. Moriarty Science Seminars. Sign-up below to attend in person or click here to join us via Zoom.          Upcoming R.W. Moriarty Science SeminarsLearn about scientific discoveries directly from the experts in the field. Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s scientific research staff and invited speakers discuss their latest findings on numerous scientific topics at the R.W. Moriarty Science Seminar series.

Haunted Museum (21+)

When: Friday, October 17, 6:00–10:00 p.m.Where: Carnegie Museum of Natural HistoryTickets: $30 ($25 for Carnegie Museums Members) What lurks in Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s haunted halls? Monsters, mayhem, and Halloween surprises will greet those brave enough to......More

When: Friday, October 17, 6:00–10:00 p.m.Where: Carnegie Museum of Natural HistoryTickets: $30 ($25 for Carnegie Museums Members) What lurks in Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s haunted halls? Monsters, mayhem, and Halloween surprises will greet those brave enough to explore the museum after hours. Guests ages 21 and over are invited to make their way through the galleries, meet eccentric spirits, and have a screaming good time! Haunted Museum (21+) tickets include admission to select Carnegie Museum of Natural History galleries for the evening. Beverages and light snacks will be available for purchase. Costumes are encouraged, but must follow the guidelines outlined below. Haunted Museum activities include:Make Your Own Vampire Protection Kit: It’s a scary world out there—don’t get caught without your vampire repellants! Put together your own pocket-sized vampire protection kit and learn the historical and cultural significance of vampire lore.  Monster Movie Trivia: Are you an expert on all things supernatural, mysterious, or frightening? Compete in team trivia to test your knowledge!  Animal Brain Dissection: Throw on some gloves, hold a gooey brain, and watch as we slice and dice the temporal, occipital, parietal and frontal lobes.Purchase tickets today!          Costume GuidelinesCostumes are welcomed at After Dark: Haunted Museum! However, for the safety of our guests and collections we require that you follow the guidelines outlined below. Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry or asked to leave, unless the costume can be modified to meet them. We appreciate your adherence to these rules. – Costumes may not contain any props or accessories that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon. Costumes may not contain any prop or accessory that resembles a gun. – Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike or impede another guest. – Costumes may not drag on the ground (dress trains, robe trains, etc). – Costume masks of any kind may not be worn. – Costume headwear may be worn if it does not cover the face. – Anything worn on the back may not be any wider than your elbows can extend to the side. – Large costumes or costume props that surround the entire body are strongly discouraged. Props and/or costume elements should not be any wider than your elbows can extend to the side.

At the Museum, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213-4007, United States

R.W. Moriarty Science Seminar: Leading Powdermill Field Station and Nature Reserve into the Future

Talk: Science, Conservation, and Community: Leading Powdermill Field Station and Nature Reserve into the Future Speaker: Dr. Mary Janecka, Director of Powdermill Field Station and Nature Reserve When: Monday, November 10, 2025, 12:00–1:00 p.m. Where: Carnegie Library Le......More

Talk: Science, Conservation, and Community: Leading Powdermill Field Station and Nature Reserve into the Future Speaker: Dr. Mary Janecka, Director of Powdermill Field Station and Nature Reserve When: Monday, November 10, 2025, 12:00–1:00 p.m. Where: Carnegie Library Lecture Hall and online via Zoom Tickets: Free. Museum admission not required. Dr. Mary Janecka, the new Director of Powdermill Field Station and Nature Reserve, will present past research and plans for leading the team to advance the station’s scientific research, applied conservation efforts, and public outreach initiatives. Fieldwork has long been at the heart of Mary’s own scientific journey, and she has contributed to making field experiences more accessible and welcoming to all.  Janecka’s own research on host-parasite interactions (primarily in riverine ecosystems) and how these are affected by anthropogenic change has immediate relevance to the Western Pennsylvania region. Her research combines behavioral ecology, genetics, and conservation it spans both aquatic and terrestrial systems, and across organism groups—from snakes to migratory birds to ticks. With this multidisciplinary expertise, Janecka is uniquely positioned to further elevate Powdermill’s scientific profile and impact. Registration is required to attend R.W. Moriarty Science Seminars. Sign-up below to attend in person or click here to join us via Zoom.          Upcoming R.W. Moriarty Science SeminarsLearn about scientific discoveries directly from the experts in the field. Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s scientific research staff and invited speakers discuss their latest findings on numerous scientific topics at the R.W. Moriarty Science Seminar series.

R.W. Moriarty Science Seminar: Insect Double Feature

Dr. David Wagner, Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at University of Connecticut, is a world authority on insect biodiversity, insect conservation, and matters of global change. On December 1, he will give two separate talks at Carnegie Museum of Natural His......More

Dr. David Wagner, Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at University of Connecticut, is a world authority on insect biodiversity, insect conservation, and matters of global change. On December 1, he will give two separate talks at Carnegie Museum of Natural History: one discussing the global decline of insect populations, and a second talk focusing on caterpillars and their role in ecology and evolutionary biology. Registration is required to attend R.W. Moriarty Science Seminars, read on for full details and registration options for both talks. Talk: Insect Declines in the Anthropocene When: Monday, December 1, 2025, 12:00–1:00 p.m. Where: Art Theater and online via Zoom Tickets: Free. Museum admission not required. As the human population has expanded in the last century, global insect populations are declining at a concerningly rapid rate. Significant decreases in both species and populations of insects have been reported, thought to result from “a thousand cuts” including pesticide use, agricultural intensification, shifts in climate and human-induced changes to their native environments. Dr. David Wagner, Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at University of Connecticut, is a world authority on insect biodiversity, insect conservation, and matters of global change. In recent years, he has become an expert on insect decline, publishing both academic and general public articles on the subject. Sign-up below to attend in person or click here to join us via Zoom.          Talk: Caterpillars: Their Use in Biosystematics, Diversity, and Ecology Studies When: Monday, December 1, 2025, 4:00–5:00 p.m. Where: Art Theater and online via Zoom Tickets: Free. Museum admission not required. Dr. Wagner will highlight discoveries from five decades of biosystematic studies on Lepidoptera. This informal presentation will feature stunning images of caterpillars, their natural history, and how larval life history data has been used to answer big questions in ecology and evolutionary biology. Time allowing, he will provide a status update of a multi-volumed guide to the Caterpillars of Western North America (Princeton University Press). Sign-up below to attend in person or click here to join us via Zoom.  In-person registration coming soon!     Upcoming R.W. Moriarty Science SeminarsLearn about scientific discoveries directly from the experts in the field. Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s scientific research staff and invited speakers discuss their latest findings on numerous scientific topics at the R.W. Moriarty Science Seminar series.