Field Museum of Natural History

The Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago was founded to house the biological and anthropological collections assembled for the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893. These objects form the core of the Museum's collections which have grown to more than twenty million specimens. The collections form the foundation of the Museum's exhibition, research and education programs, which are further informed by a world-class natural history library of more than 250,000 volumes. The Museum features a number of earth science exhibits, including the Hall of Gems, Moving Earth about plate Tectonics, a fossil Preparation Laboratory, Evolving Planet a permanent exhibit showcasing 4 billion years of life history, from single celled organisms through human ancestors. The Harris Loan Program provides educational outreach to children, bringing artifacts, specimens, audiovisual materials, and activity kits to area schools, as well as resources for educators, including select Field Museum programs available for listening or download as a part of Chicago Amplified. There are a number of online exhibits, interactives, curricula, and information on conservation projects. Also offered are classes, lectures, field trips, museum overnights and special events for families, adults and children. The Museum's curatorial and scientific staff has been an international leader in evolutionary biology and paleontology, and archaeology and ethnography, and has long maintained close links - including joint teaching, students, seminars - with local universities. Educational levels: Informal education