Welcome!

The mission of the Humboldt State University Natural History Museum, through its collections, exhibits, and programs, is to inspire in North Coast residents and visitors of all ages an understanding and appreciation of the dynamic natural world and to provide a learning laboratory for Humboldt State University students.

Summer Science Camp For Ages 4 to 14

Parents do you want your children to have fun this summer and learn about nature and science? Then break them away from the video games and get them over to the HSU Natural History Museum for a week-long, hands-on, nature adventure. 12 week-long classes are offered for ages 4 to 14 years. The programs are taught by experienced science educators who love to inspire kids to be curious about the world around them. In all the classes students meet live animals, create art projects, do experiments and experience the wonders of nature first hand. Call the Museum (707) 826-4479 to register. ..Click here to see which classes are full and for program descriptions.

Save the Date!
The first annual Pre-historic Ball takes place Saturday, October 24.

Night at the Museum Family Sleepovers

Ages 5 and up (with parent)
$35 per person members ($45 per person non-members)
Friday, July 17 (Ocean-themed) and/or Friday, August 14 (Dinosaur-themed)
6:30 p.m. to 9 a.m. the next day

If you are sticking closer to home this summer why not take an overnight trip to the museum! Your family can join with others for a night at the museum of your own. Museum staff leads a rotation of themed activities including a scavenger hunt, a craft, a live animal program and a movie (with popcorn) on our big plasma screen. The museum provides a snack in the evening and a light breakfast in the morning. Just bring your nighttime things and your bedding and you’ll have everything you need for a fun time sleeping-over at a cool museum with other families who love nature. Call the Museum (707) 826-4479 to register.

Nautilus Notes is now online

You can read the latest and past edtions of the Museum's quarterly newsletter right here

Find the Museum on Facebook

Find links to natural science news, the latest on our own events, and a place to discuss your thoughts and more about the museum. Check it out here (you'll need to have a Facebook account or join, no charge.)

Help Gather Bumble Bee Nesting Information

Treasure Hunt Tour

Danza Chisholm-Sims created and illustrated this fun way to learn about natural history. Visitors can pick up the treasure hunt clue booklet at the front desk. The quest-like activitiy leads participants around the museum and features highlights from our collection.

"Using the Museum to Teach Science" project for school teachers.

Science-standard based, teacher-led museum activities for grades K - 4. Workshops and class admission stipends available. ....Click here for more information....

Natural History Links

• Sierra Club has a great guide to global warming solutions
• Friends of the Dunes has two online field guides to local plants and bees
• Castle Rock Seabird Project You can see and hear seabird nesting with this live cam
• Humboldt Wildlife Care Center (currently accepting items for their rummage sale fundraiser August 22.)