Visitors marvel at the enormous dinosaur skeletons on display at the Beneski Museum of Natural History in Amherst. It’s a fascinating place for anyone curious about the prehistoric world.
The Beneski Museum is part of Amherst College and holds one of the largest natural history collections in New England. Over 1,700 specimens are exhibited, including dinosaur footprints and a variety of vertebrate and invertebrate fossils. The museum’s highlights include the skeleton of a mastodon, an ice-age mammal, which stands out as a crowd favorite.
The museum’s exhibits not only provide a glimpse into the distant past but also foster a deeper understanding of our planet’s history. By examining these ancient bones, we gain insights into evolution and climate change over millions of years.
For those planning a visit, admission to the Beneski Museum is free, making it an accessible educational resource for families, students, and curious individuals. Check their website or the Amherst Now Events Noticeboard for updates on other special events that bring history to life.
FAQs: Beneski Museum of Natural History
What is the Beneski Museum of Natural History?
The Beneski Museum of Natural History is a museum at Amherst College in Amherst, Massachusetts, located in the Beneski Earth Sciences Building (opened 2006).
What are the museum’s most notable collections?
Highlights include the Hitchcock Ichnological Cabinet (large collection of dinosaur footprints), Ice Age mammals such as mastodon and mammoth, extensive geology and mineral specimens, and selected dinosaur fossils.
How big is the museum?
It spans three floors with over 1,700 specimens on display.
Who were key contributors to the collection?
Notable contributors include Edward Hitchcock, Charles Shepard, and Frederic Brewster Loomis.
What makes the building itself special?
The Beneski Earth Sciences Building integrates museum galleries with teaching and research spaces and has award-recognized architecture.
Is admission free and who can visit?
Admission is free and the museum is open to the public. Check the Amherst College site for current hours before visiting.
What’s a fun way to explore the museum?
Families often enjoy scavenger-style activities focused on the dinosaur trackway collections.
