Calendar of Events

April 22, 1995 - October, 1996

Guided Tours: Exhibition tours will be conducted Tuesday through Sunday at 1:15 p.m. (No tours November 23 - 27 and December 18 - 26). Meet at the "Ocean Planet Tour" sign, first floor Rotunda area.

Ocean Planet Theater Performances: The Sea Theater features live actors performing short ocean-related plays and puppet shows for visitors of all ages. Presented Wednesdays through Sundays, 10:30 - 3:00 through November 17. Seating on a first-come, first-served basis.

Public Programs and Educational Activities complement Ocean Planet Exhibition at the Smithsonian. An array of programs, free, unless otherwise indicated, are offered in conjunction with the Smithsonian's new Ocean Planet Exhibition which is now open at the National Museum of Natural History.

PUBLIC PROGRAMS

Science at Sea. This display celebrates the 125-year tradition of collaboration on marine research between the Smithsonian Institution and the National Marine Fisheries Service. The exhibit traces the partnership from its origin under the auspices of Spencer F. Baird, Smithsonian Secretary from 1878 to 1887, to commercially important research projects under way today. See below for details on a related lecture scheduled for February 23. Exhibit opens February 2 and continues indefinitely. Ground Floor, North Lobby.

JANUARY

19 Fri - The Edge of the Ocean: Where the Land Meets the Sea.

This illustrated lecture in the series "Ocean Science at the National Museum of Natural History" features Dr. Mary Rice, who is the director of the Smithsonian Marine Station at Link Port, Florida. Rice describes the scientific work carried out in this transitional zone where temperate and tropical waters meet. Baird Auditorium, noon.

22 Mon - Life on a Barrier Reef.

The fragile ecosystems of Belize's coral reefs are the topic of an illustrated lecture by Dr. Howard Winn, professor of oceanography and zoology at the University of Rhode Island. ANS**

26 Fri - Exploring Troubled Waters -- With a Botanical Twist.

The "Ocean Science at the National Museum of Natural History" series features Dr. Sylvia A. Earle, president of Deep Ocean Exploration and Research and a Museum research associate. Earle will share her experiences researching marine ecosystems around the world. Baird Auditorium, noon.

FEBUARY

2 Fri - "Science at Sea" opens.

Ground Floor, North Lobby.

23 Fri - Science at Sea: From Spencer F. Baird to the Present.

Dr. Austin Williams, a National Marine Fisheries Service scientist permanently stationed at the Museum, presents an illustrated lecture in conjunction with the opening of the "Science at Sea" display in the North Lobby. Baird Auditorium, noon.

*TSA, The Smithsonian Associates. Call (202) 357-3030 for information, fees, and ticket reservations.

**ANS, Audubon Lectures sponsored by the Audubon Naturalist Society and TSA. Call (202) 357-2020 for information, fees, and ticket reservations.

National Museum of Natural History
Hours: 10 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. daily. For information, call (202) 357-2700 (voice) or (202) 357-1729 (TTY). For a Spanish recording, call (202) 633-9126.

Access. The accessible entrance to the building is located at 10th Street and Constitution Avenue N.W. The Mall side of the museum is not accessible to individuals in wheelchairs or to those who cannot climb stairs readily. The Federal Triangle Metrorail Station provides the best subway access to the building. Most museum services are accessible to visitors with disabilities. Loop amplification is available in the center front rows of Baird Auditorium. For special services for groups, please call (202) 786-2178 (voice), (202) 633-9287 (TTY), or fax inquiries for audio assistance to (202) 786-2778.

TSA*: The Smithsonian Associates.
Call (202) 357-3030 for information, fees, and ticket reservations.

Ocean Planet Exhibition Floorplan

gene carl feldman (gene@seawifs.gsfc.nasa.gov) (301) 286-9428
Judith Gradwohl, Smithsonian Institution (Curator/Ocean Planet)