Olson Museum of Natural History Hosts Third Collection Crawl in New Spaces

The Olson Museum of Natural History at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will host its third annual Collection Crawl in its new location, continuing a popular behind the scenes event while museum galleries and public spaces are being rebuilt.

The Collection Crawl will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, in the Olson Museum of Natural History, Science Building, 2001 Fourth Avenue, Stevens Point. Learning stations where attendees get stamps for event passports are set up inside Haeni and Trainer buildings. The event is free and open to the public.

The annual open house offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore museum collections up close, meet staff and learn how specimens are cared for and studied. This third crawl reflects the museum's ongoing commitment to public access, education and transparency, even during a period of transition. The event will also feature five shows hosted in the Blocher Planetarium, live animals and more.

"Rebuilding an entire museum is a long and complex process," said Museum Outreach Specialist Brigid Ferkett. "Our Collection Crawl allows us to stay connected with the community, share the work happening on our renovations and highlight the incredible collections in our care."

Although the museum's wildlife and taxidermy galleries are waiting for renovations to be completed, there are many other collections to interact with for research, studying and public engagement. The museum gift shop, Discovery Room and the rock and fossil exhibit are all open for visitors.

The Olson Museum of Natural History at UWSP preserves and interprets natural science collections that support education, research, and public engagement. While rebuilding its exhibits and galleries, the museum continues to connect people with the natural world through programs, events, and behind-the-scenes tours.

Find more information about the Collection Crawl here.