NU State Museum to celebrate 150th anniversary with Archie’s Party

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Archie’s Party — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 12 at the University of Nebraska State Museum-Morrill Hall — will feature two large fossil dig sandboxes, as well as a scavenger hunt, the short film “Carrie Barbour” and a variety of craft stations.

The University of Nebraska State Museum will kick off its 150th anniversary year with Archie’s Party at Morrill Hall. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 12, visitors can explore the museum and participate in a variety of activities and games. Each visitor can also receive a free scoop of UNL Dairy Store ice cream.

“We are excited to be welcoming back museum guests for our 150th birthday bash,” said Susan Weller, director of the NU State Museum. “It’ll be a great way to get summer fun rolling here in Lincoln.”

The party will feature a scavenger hunt through time in which visitors can collect Archie puzzle pieces as they explore the museum. Another highlight is the four-minute documentary “Carrie Barbour,” courtesy of Nebraska Public Media and PaleoSleuths.org, detailing the life of one of the nation’s first female paleontologists and the first woman to hold a curatorial position at the NU State Museum. Paleontologist Jeremy McMullin will be working on a 10-million-year-old fossil in the Visible Lab. Visitors can watch him work and ask questions about the tools and procedures he uses. A variety of craft stations will be available, as will two large fossil dig sandboxes. Additionally, each visitor who makes a purchase in the Discovery Gift Shop will receive an extra “birthday gift” from Archie as a thank-you for supporting the museum.

Archie’s Party activities and ice cream are included with admission to Morrill Hall. Museum members will receive free admission to the event. All other discounted rates will apply, including senior; veteran; Blue Star Museums — free admission for active-duty military and their families, including National Guard and Reserves, up to a party of six; and Museums for All — $1 admission for families qualifying for EBT or WIC.

Free parking will be available for all visitors in the large parking lot north of Morrill Hall. The museum will maintain limited capacity during the event to allow visitors more space to maneuver through the activities. Advance tickets are recommended.

“Please bring your party hats to help us celebrate the 150th anniversary of Nebraska’s first official state museum,” Weller said. “And I hope you will make a wish for our next 150 as you eat your ice cream.”

Those with questions about Archie’s Party can click here or call 402-472-2637.