The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History is one of the oldest and largest natural history museums in the United States. Located in New Haven, Connecticut, the museum was founded in 1866 through a generous gift from George Peabody, a wealthy philanthropist and distant cousin of the Peabody family of Boston. The museum's mission is to advance our understanding of the natural world and promote stewardship of the Earth's biodiversity through research, education, and public engagement.
History and Collections
The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History has a rich history that spans over 150 years. The museum’s collections include over 13 million specimens, ranging from dinosaur fossils to mounted mammals and birds, as well as extensive collections of minerals, plants, and human cultural artifacts. The museum’s holdings are among the most comprehensive and significant in the world, with many irreplaceable specimens that are essential for scientific research and education. The museum’s collections are divided into several departments, including Anthropology, Botany, Entomology, Geology and Geophysics, Mammalogy, Ornithology, Paleontology, and Zoology.
Department of Paleontology
The Department of Paleontology at the Yale Peabody Museum is one of the largest and most respected in the world. The department’s collections include over 100,000 fossil specimens, ranging from trilobites to tyrannosaurs. The department is also home to several world-renowned researchers, including Dr. Jacques Gauthier, a leading expert on theropod dinosaurs. The department’s research focus includes the evolution and diversity of ancient life on Earth, as well as the geological and climatic processes that have shaped our planet over billions of years.
| Collection | Number of Specimens |
|---|---|
| Paleontology | 100,000+ |
| Mammalogy | 50,000+ |
| Ornithology | 30,000+ |
| Entomology | 20,000+ |
Exhibits and Public Programs
The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History offers a wide range of exhibits and public programs that showcase the museum’s collections and research. The museum’s permanent exhibits include the Dinosaur Gallery, which features a stunning Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, as well as the Mammal Hall, which showcases an impressive array of mounted mammals from around the world. The museum also offers temporary exhibits on a variety of topics, from climate change to human evolution. The museum’s public programs include lectures, workshops, and family activities, as well as guided tours of the exhibits and behind-the-scenes areas.
Education and Outreach
The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History is committed to providing high-quality educational programs and resources for students, teachers, and the general public. The museum offers a range of educational programs, from field trips and workshops to summer camps and internships. The museum also provides educational resources and materials for teachers, including curriculum guides and activity sheets. The museum’s outreach programs include partnerships with local schools and community organizations, as well as collaborations with other museums and research institutions.
- Field Trips: Guided tours of the museum's exhibits and collections for school groups and other organizations.
- Workshops: Hands-on educational programs for students and adults on topics such as paleontology and conservation biology.
- Summer Camps: Week-long programs for children and teens that focus on science, nature, and the environment.
- Internships: Research and educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.
What are the museum’s hours of operation?
+The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with extended hours on Thursdays until 8pm. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
How can I get to the museum?
+The museum is located at 170 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT 06520. The museum is accessible by car, bus, and train, and there is parking available on site.
What are the museum’s admission fees?
+Admission to the museum is free for children under 3 years old, 13 for adults, 9 for seniors and students, and $6 for children aged 3-18. The museum also offers discounted admission for groups and members.
