Las Vegas Museum Rebrands to Enhance Science Education

Categories: CharityCommunityEvents/What's HappeningNews

Children enjoying hands-on science activities during the rebranding celebration at the Las Vegas Science & Natural History Museum.

News Summary

The Las Vegas Natural History Museum is transforming into the Las Vegas Science & Natural History Museum as it celebrates its 34th anniversary. The rebranding aims to boost science education and community involvement, highlighted by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a mad scientist-themed birthday event. Visitors can enjoy hands-on educational programs, interactive experiments, and activities like LEGO building during the celebration. As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the museum continues to engage the community with upcoming STEM events and educational experiences.

Las Vegas Museum Celebrates Rebranding and Community Involvement

The Las Vegas Natural History Museum is undergoing a significant transformation as it rebrands itself as the Las Vegas Science & Natural History Museum. This change aligns with the museum’s 34th anniversary and aims to enhance its focus on science education and community engagement.

An official ribbon-cutting ceremony to announce the rebranding will take place on Friday, July 11, at 11 a.m., in collaboration with the Henderson Chamber of Commerce. Following this event, the museum will host a mad scientist-themed birthday celebration for visitors on Saturday, July 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This anniversary event aims to underline the museum’s commitment to hands-on educational programs and science exhibits. During the celebration, activities will include LEGO building, fossil digs with take-home treasures (limited to two per guest), interactive science experiments, and a coloring station supported by the Clark County Department of Family Services. Admission for the events is covered by regular museum entry fees or through membership.

Visitor Information

RSVPs are encouraged for the activities, with a registration link available for those interested. The museum is located north of Cashman Center at 900 Las Vegas Blvd N. and operates daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission prices include $14 for adults, $12 for students, seniors, and military personnel, and $7 for children ages 3-11. Additionally, discounts are provided for Nevada residents.

Background of the Museum

Founded in 1989 by community citizens dedicated to providing educational resources, the Las Vegas Science & Natural History Museum is a private nonprofit institution that holds the status of a Smithsonian Affiliate. It is also accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The museum serves as a repository for fossils and artifacts, fulfilling regulatory requirements at both federal and state levels.

The museum’s mission is to offer visitors a learning adventure through diverse ecosystems and historical periods, covering topics from deserts and oceans to prehistoric times and the present day. The Executive Director has expressed pride in the museum’s legacy and its ongoing commitment to advancing science education in the community.

Upcoming Events and Initiatives

The Las Vegas Science & Technology Festival is also set to return for its 14th year, coinciding with the museum’s goal to engage the community in STEM education. This year’s festival will run from April 25 to May 3 and will feature over 40 free STEM events designed to stimulate interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Activities during the festival will include a Giant Science and Technology Expo as well as a competition whereby the Clark County School District (CCSD) school with the highest attendance will be awarded $1,000. While all festival events are free, participants are required to register due to limited space.

As the museum transitions into its new identity, it remains committed to enriching the community with educational experiences that inspire curiosity and exploration of the science surrounding the natural world.