Archive: Around Town

Ever wanted to know more about the Museum of the Earth’s 44-foot long Right Whale? Now is your chance! Whales: From the Depths of the National Geographic Collection presents the best sea mammal photography from National Geographic’s extensive archives.

Paired with specimens from the Paleontological Research Institution’s (PRI) collection, content from its scientists, and ocean sound recordings from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Bioacoustic Research Program, these dramatic photographs from renowned marine wildlife photographers’ intimate and close whale encounters tell the long story of whales’ life on Earth, examine their present state, and explore their future. From January 26-June 4, meet Right Whale #2030’s millions of ancestors that have lived in every one of the world’s oceans. Whales is organized by National Geographic.

Whales embody two of the most profound reasons we seek to understand the life around us: their intelligence, grace, and sheer size evoke an intrinsically valuable sense of wonder about and connection to the natural world; and their story illustrates the sweeping impact humans have on our fellow creatures.


“The Museum of the Earth is excited to present visitors with the fascinating journey of whales’ evolution from small land animals to an extremely diverse and specialized group that includes the most massive animal that has ever existed on Earth. From gentle grazers to sleek hunters, these giant mammals dominate the oceans. Yet, while whales illustrate an incredible triumph of adaptation, they are threatened by human activity on multiple fronts,” said Dr. Richard Kissel, Paleontologist and Director of Teacher Programs at PRI.

Visitors will find out why some whales do not have teeth, and discover how whales are related to deer, pigs, giraffes, and hippos. Learn how sound communication is critical to whales’ survival. Explore how whales navigate, find mates and locate prey in the dark ocean with the Raven Interactive Sound Exhibit from the Bioacoustics Research Program at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.  The latest scientific research about ocean noise pollution will be displayed while real whale sounds echo through the gallery.

January 28 from 10am-1pm will be Catch the Wave Family Day.  February 3 from 5:30-7:30pm will feature a Whale of a Happy Hour.

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