Anniston Museum of Natural History facts for kids
| Established | December 1976 |
|---|---|
| Location | Anniston, Alabama |
| Type | Natural history museum |
| Visitors | 85,000 each year (average) |
The Anniston Museum of Natural History is an exciting place to visit in Lagarde Park, Anniston, Alabama. It's a museum filled with amazing things from the natural world. You can see over 2,000 items, including cool minerals, ancient fossils, and rare animals. Many of these are shown in special displays called dioramas, which look like real-life scenes.
Discover the Anniston Museum of Natural History
This museum is a fantastic spot to learn about nature. It shows you everything from Alabama's own natural wonders to wild places around the world. The exhibits take you on a journey through time, starting from pre-history. You'll explore the North American wilderness and even the African savannah.
What Can You See Inside?
The museum has seven different halls, each focusing on a unique natural history topic. Get ready to explore some incredible exhibits!
Explore African Animals
Step into the Environments of Africa Hall. Here, you'll find more than 100 African animals. They are displayed in settings that look just like their natural homes. It's like taking a safari without leaving the museum!
Ancient Egypt: Mummies and More
One of the most fascinating parts is seeing real 2,000-year-old Egyptian mummies. These mummies are from a time called the Ptolemaic period. It's a rare chance to see history up close.
Creatures of the Caves
Ever wondered what lives deep underground? The museum has an exhibit all about creatures that live in caves. You'll learn about animals adapted to dark, hidden places.
Fun in the Discovery Room
Kids will love the children's discovery room. It's a special area designed for younger visitors. You can explore and learn through fun, interactive activities.
Our Dynamic Earth: Dinosaurs and Gems
The Dynamic Earth exhibit shows how our planet was formed. You'll see beautiful minerals, sparkling gemstones, and ancient fossils. There are even displays featuring amazing dinosaurs!
Hands-On Learning at Nature Space
Nature Space is a large area where you can learn by doing. It offers many hands-on activities. This is a great way to understand natural history in an interactive way.
Special Exhibits and Outdoor Adventures
The museum also has a Changing Exhibit Gallery. This means there's always something new to see. They bring in fresh exhibits regularly, so every visit can be different.
Explore the Outdoors
Outside the museum, there's even more to discover. You can walk through a lovely wildlife garden. There are also open-air exhibits featuring live animals. Enjoy the peaceful nature trails for a walk. Right next door is the Berman Museum of World History, too.
A Look Back at the Museum's History
The Anniston Museum of Natural History has a long and interesting past. It all started in 1930 with a generous gift. H. Severn Regar offered his personal collection of historical items and biological specimens to the city of Anniston.
This collection included very rare and even extinct species. These were gathered by a famous naturalist named William Werner in the 1800s. This amazing gift became the foundation for the museum's Birds of the Americas exhibit hall. This hall now features over 400 different types of North American birds. They are all displayed in their natural habitats. The museum is also connected to the Smithsonian Institution, which is a very famous group of museums and research centers.
