When I arrived at the Museum, I had just a few minutes to spare before my appointment with Christina Rosales, Coordinator, Fellows Advancement for the Museum. Cristina had arranged for my free parking and the attendant was pleasantly expecting me. It’s just a short walk to the admissions office where Cristina was waiting to greet me. It’s always nice to place a face with the voice on the phone. We had discussed the Fellows Membership Program and my meeting a Paleontologist at the Museum. Today was the day I was to meet Nathan D. Smith, PH.D. Associate Curator The Dinosaur Institute (see previous post “Natural History Museum Los Angeles – Meet Nate a Paleontologist!” and look for a second part to that post next week!)
After our visit with Nate, Cristina introduce me to the Museum’s Human Sized Dinosaur Puppets – Hunter the T-Rex and Dakota the Triceratops. There are diagrams on the glass wall that show you how people get inside to operate these Wonderful Puppets to the delight of kids from 1 to 92! Ok you can be older than 92. I will be returning to see the show myself. Look for a post in the near future for this adventure. Until then, check out the Museum’s website for dates and times to enjoy these Fun Dinosaurs in person. www.nhm.org and here’s a link to a behind the scenes YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxZz6dH-JZE
From there we went to the Dino Lab, where you can watch the Museum’s Team of Paleontologists at work on fossils right in front of you! Pictures overhead let you know what the subject is as well. Next a visit to the Butterfly Pavilion (also include with my membership). They really are all around you. You can learn about a number of Butterflies that are native to California and others from all over North America. There are 100’s of butterflies representing 20 to 25 different species on any given day. Also, you can learn what plants to place in your garden to attract them. After saying our good-byes, I left Cristina to head for home. But first, I had to make another stop at Dinosaur Hall. This should not be a surprise. Every time I walk through the Hall I notice more details than the time before.
Membership does have its Privileges! Please consider becoming a Member. The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles has many Levels of Membership – Individual, Individual Plus+, Dual, Dual Plus+, Family, Family Plus+, Patron Family, Naturalist, Explorer, Adventure and Fellows.
Each level has increased benefits! For more details go directly to their website www.nhm.org click on the Join Us tab, select Membership, then Levels Benefits in the drop-down menus to see all the benefits. Or just call membership 213 763-3426.
Surely there is a Membership that is “Just Right” for You!
The Fellows Membership was the best choice for me. The ability to have one on one meetings is great for bringing the best to my posts.
For the Fellows Membership call Cristina Rosales Coordinator, Fellows Advancement at 213 763-3253. The Fellows includes:
- Unlimited Full Museum Membership Privileges, including unlimited free admission to the Natural History Museum, the Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits and the William S. Hart Museum in Newhall, including a 10% discount at the Museum stores and Magic Memory Photobook.
- (2) Plus Membership Cards that can be used for any Guest.
- Invitations to a year-long calendar of exclusive events with the Museum’s President and Director, including all Member events, Haunted Museum, Family Adventures, Exciting Fieldtrips, Taste of History, VIP Sleepover, Exhibition Openings with Museum Curators and the opportunity to attend the Dinosaur Ball!
- Free or discounted admission at over 300 Natural History Museums and Science Centers Worldwide through the ASTC Passport Program (90-mile radius restriction applies).
- Reserved parking for all USC and Rams home games.
- Up to 3 private behind the scenes tours for you and your family with a Museum Curator or Gallery Interpreter. There are currently 16 different areas to choose!
- Opportunity to attend Fellows in Focus program with Museum Scientists and Researchers.
- (4) Four Family Guest Passes for friends and associates for three Museums.
- VIP handling of your child’s school group visit.
- Opportunity to rent the Museum’s elegant facilities for your private event at a 20% discount.
- Complimentary concierge service for special requests through the Fellows Office.
Best of All Your Contributions through Memberships/Donations help the Museum provide Quality Science Education to the Community. This includes 300,000 Children, Teachers and Members of the Military. The Museum is home to a tremendous collection of millions of specimens that represent the spectacular history of our planet. It is an indispensable resource for researchers worldwide and memberships help to maintain it.
Go to: www.nhm.org and Join Today!
The Museum is a proud host to a diverse mix of audiences, which include local children on free school field trips, families and friends who explore the galleries, hobbyist gardeners who can interact with gardening experts and adults who are rediscovering the Museum’s collections at evening events designed just for them.
There is so much to see – Bird Hall, Hall of Gems & Minerals, Insect Zoo, North America & African Mammal Halls, California History Hall, Spider Pavilion and of course Dinosaur Hall. Plus, the special exhibits – Extreme Mammals, Butterfly Pavilion, Bug Fair, the Blu and many more. And Don’t forget the Dinosaur Puppet Show with larger than people size dinosaur puppets! Check out the Museum’s calendar so you don’t miss an event.
Wishing you a Week Inspiring Wonder, Discovery and Responsibility for our Natural and Cultural Worlds.
Paul & Prehistoric Pals
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