Morrill Hall opens 'Charlie & Kiwi's Evolutionary Adventure' May 30

            On May 30, the University of Nebraska State Museum in Morrill Hall will open "Charlie & Kiwi's Evolutionary Adventure," a new exhibit that includes an engaging story, displays and activities that introduce visitors to the basics of evolution, seen through the eyes of Charlie, a young boy who is writing a report about his favorite bird -- the kiwi.

            The exhibit will be on display through Sept. 14, in Morrill Hall, south of 14th and Vine streets on the UNL City Campus.

            "Charlie & Kiwi's Evolutionary Adventure" invites visitors to see evidence that dinosaurs are the ancestors of modern birds by examining the bones that birds and dinosaurs have in common. Visitors will observe the slight differences between living birds of the same species by examining the colors, shapes and sizes of their beaks, legs and feet. They will join Charlie as he travels back in time to the age of dinosaurs to discover the kiwi's ancestors and evidence for natural selection. His adventure unfolds in an intimate theater on a giant digital storybook screen, while an interactive component allows visitors to speed up time so they can see the evolution of birds with their own eyes.

            The living birds featured in the exhibition are made possible by the American Federation of Aviculture. "Charlie and Kiwi's Evolutionary Adventure," funded by a generous grant from the National Science Foundation, is a project of the New York Hall of Science, the University of Michigan, the Miami Science Museum, and the North Museum of Natural History and Science in Lancaster, Pa.

            Established in 1871, the University of Nebraska State Museum in Morrill Hall is open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays, and 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sundays. It will be open regular hours on Memorial Day, May 28. Regular admission is $5 for adults (19 and over), $3 for children (5-18 years, 4 and under are free), and $10 for families (up to two adults and children). UNL staff, faculty and students are admitted free with valid NU ID. Friends of the Museum may also visit free with valid membership card. There is an additional charge for planetarium shows. Parking is free. For further information, telephone the museum at 402-472-3779,  or visit www.museum.unl.edu.

Writers: Caroline Pugh and Dana Ludvik