The Sam Noble Museum at The University of Oklahoma inspires minds to understand the world through collection-based research, interpretation, and education.
(Best Suited for Ages 3-10) Every Saturday at 11 a.m. we're hosting Stories & Specimens for children and families! In this engaging program, children are invited to gather for a lively story time, where fascinating tales spark curiosity and set the stage for exploration. Each session dives into a themed topic, connecting stories to science […]
In April 1937, after the events of the Dust Bowl, Oklahoma passed the Conservation District Enabling Act, which gave citizens the opportunity to form their own conservation districts and created the agency now known as the Oklahoma Conservation Commission. In this lecture, the speakers will talk about the events that led to the formation of the Soil […]
(Best Suited for Ages 3-10) We’re bringing stories to life with Crafts and Tales at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History! In this engaging program, children are invited to gather for a lively story time, where fascinating tales spark curiosity and set the stage for exploration. Each session dives into a themed topic, […]
Guests will explore the animated world of Dia de Muertos through a unique collection of 2 and 3-dimensional artwork. From the work of early pre-Hispanic cultures to the 21st century, Lives of the Dead offers 1000 years of artistic visions of the dead. The exhibition emphasizes current and vintage Latin American folk art. From Papier-mâché […]
Please note our hours for Labor Day. We hope you have a safe and relaxing holiday!
(Ages 3-5 with adult) Introduce your little learner to science concepts through doing, discovering, and making! In this session, young scientists will explore sunshine, rain, wind, snow, and more. Little learners will discover how weather shapes our world in a joyful, sensory-filled adventure! Registration Opens on August 11, and closes the Friday before the program.
(Ages 6-11) Spike’s Club inspires children ages 6 to 11 to love learning through active exploration and play. Each Thursday from 3:30 to 6:00 pm children will explore different natural and cultural history themes. During this installment of Spike’s Club, we’ll be diving into the fascinating science behind Oklahoma’s waterways and their inhabitants. Registration Opens […]
(Ages 5+ with adult) Come discover the amazing diversity of Oklahoma moths. We’ll start in the classroom where we will learn about moth species from local experts, then we will venture outside to the museum’s back yard to see these beautiful creatures up close. Flashlights will be provided for use during the program. Participants may […]
(All ages) Get ready to follow the footsteps, wingbeats, and swim trails of some of nature’s most incredible travelers at Movement & Migration, a Curiousiday all about animal movement and migration. Discover how animals navigate vast distances, brave challenging environments, and use amazing adaptations to survive and thrive. This event is open to the public and included free with standard […]
Dr. James W. Finck will be discussing the history of Chickasha, Oklahoma from founding up until the present. His book entitled "Chickasha" was part of the Images of America series by Arcadia Publishers. He has lived in Chickasha for 14 years and is excited to share its unique story. Speaker: Dr. James Finck, Professor of History at […]
(Ages 5+ with adult) Experience the sights, sounds, and creatures that emerge as day turns to night. We’ll meet at the museum to learn about creatures that come out in the evening and then caravan in personal vehicles to a Norman park to see and hear them for ourselves! Registration Opens on August 11. Online […]
(Ages 5+ with adult) Step into the shoes of an archaeologist—discovering how scientists study the past to reveal the mysteries of Oklahoma’s history. Through hands-on exploration, we’ll learn about the tools and other technologies that played a crucial role in ancient life. Registration Opens on August 11. Registration stays open until the beginning of the event.
(Ages 18+ or 12+ with adult) Learn how evolving technologies transformed the everyday lives of people throughout Oklahoma’s past. Then, roll up your sleeves and try out some of those very same groundbreaking tools and techniques for yourself—discovering firsthand how ancient innovation shaped the world we know today. Registration Opens on August 11, Registration stays […]
(Ages 12-17) It’s October, which means things are getting spooky at the Sam Noble Museum! Grab a friend and join us for a night of snacks, crafts, and creepy-cool adventures. Explore the galleries after dark and discover the real science behind one of your favorite movie monsters—zombies! Don’t miss out on the chills, thrills, and […]
(Ages 6-11) Join us for a bite-sized adventure for school holidays. Our Explorers Day Camps are a 2-day experience that will transform a simple day off into an unforgettable educational adventure. Whether digging into paleontology, unraveling ancient mysteries, or stepping into the shoes of a scientist, campers will experience the museum in a whole new […]
(All ages) Get ready for a spine-chilling experience at our annual Spooktacular Curiousiday this October! Explore the eerie and fascinating side of nature as we uncover creepy critters and mysterious objects. Museum guests are invited to participate in hands-on activities, children’s costume contest, and even a few creepy surprises! Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the spooky season with a scientific twist! This event is open to […]
(Ages 3-5 with adult) Introduce your little learner to science concepts through doing, discovering, and making! In this session, young scientists will learn about the Day of the Dead through colorful stories, art, and crafts. Little learners will explore how families honor loved ones and celebrate life with joy and creativity! Registration Opens on August 11, […]
(Ages 5+) There’s a whole world too small to see, until you look through a microscope! Help us celebrate the 30th annual Oklahoma Ugly Bug Contest by learning how microscopes work, trying them yourself, and exploring fascinating tiny specimens in this hands-on workshop for all ages. Presented in collaboration with the University of Oklahoma, Stephenson […]
(Ages 18+) The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History will begin the Fall 2026 Docent Training on Saturday, September 26 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. During the three-month program, participants will obtain in-depth knowledge of the museum exhibits, learn helpful techniques for communicating with visitors, and shadow experienced docents to learn all the skills necessary […]
Coastal Oaxaca is one of the few regions of Mexico where native communities have maintained nearly all aspects of their traditional textile production techniques. This includes cultivating native cotton, hand-spinning thread, utilizing local dyes, and weaving on the back-strap loom. What can archaeologists learn from Oaxaca’s textile producers to help interpret the archaeological record? This presentation focuses on modern artisans […]
(Ages 18+) Adult Night in the Exhibits (N.I.T.E.) is your chance to explore, sip, and socialize. No kids, no stress, just curiosity, good company, and exclusive access to our exhibits after dark. This Adult N.I.T.E. we’re celebrating the spooky season by exploring the science behind some of our favorite movie monsters! We’re talking zombies, vampires, aliens, and much, much more Expect creepy crafts, […]
(Ages 6-11) Spike’s Club inspires children to love learning through active exploration and play. Each Thursday from 3:30 to 6:00 pm children will explore different natural and cultural history themes. During this installment of Spike’s Club, we’ll learn about the many holidays celebrated by cultures around the world. Registration Opens on August 11, closes October […]
(Ages 18+ or 12+ with adult) Join us on a guided bird-watching walk at a local Norman Park. Get an up-close look at native bird specimens before embarking on a nature walk to learn about birds and how to identify them by sight and sound. Binoculars will be provided for use during the program. This […]
(All ages) Explore the rich tapestry of Oklahoma's natural history at an exciting event dedicated to our state's diverse ecosystems and geological wonders! Discover the ancient landscapes that shaped our state, from the rugged mountains to the expansive plains, and learn about the incredible biodiversity that thrives here. Admission is free, making it the perfect opportunity to experience Oklahoma's natural history with family […]
(Ages 3-5 with adult) Introduce your little learner to science concepts through doing, discovering, and making! In this session, young scientists will discover the amazing world of birds through stories, specimens, and hands-on activities. Little learners will explore feathers, nests, and bird calls while learning what makes these creatures so special! Registration Opens on August 11, […]
Dr. Andre Moncrieff is an evolutionary biologist and curator of birds at the Sam Noble Museum. In this talk, he will explore how genetic research is helping to untangle the evolutionary history of tropical birds, following their stories from the vast Amazon Basin to the cloud forests of the Andes. Along the way, you will hear about fieldwork in […]
Please note our adjusted hours for Thanksgiving. We wish you a happy and restful holiday!
(Ages 6-11) Join us for a bite-sized adventure for school holidays. Our 2-day Explorers Day Camps transform a simple day off into an unforgettable educational adventure. Whether digging into paleontology, unraveling ancient mysteries, or stepping into the shoes of a scientist, campers will experience the museum in a whole new way—full of excitement, creativity, and […]
(Ages 5+ with adult) Travel back in time and uncover the prehistoric world with Dig into Dinos: Invertebrates! Uncover a world of ancient creatures without backbones. Examine fossils, enjoy hands-on activities, and learn how these amazing invertebrates lived! Registration Opens on August 11, closes December 2.
(Ages 3-5 with adult) Introduce your little learner to science concepts through doing, discovering, and making! In this session, young scientists will explore the fascinating world of ancient sea creatures through stories, fossils, and hands-on activities. Little learners will discover snails, trilobites, and other invertebrates that once lived long ago! Registration Opens on August 11, closes December […]
(University of Oklahoma students) Need a change of scenery while studying the week before finals? Come down to the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History on the southside of campus to destress with dinos! Study areas and a calming craft will be set up in our scenic Pleistocene Plaza. Light refreshments will be provided to fuel students' study sessions from 1:00 - 5:00 pm. Event is free with […]
(Ages 18+ or 12+ with adult) In Crafting Nature, creativity and science combine! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to make your own eco-friendly paper using recycled materials and native flowers. Discover how to transform paper scraps and junk mail into unique, beautiful sheets—perfect for your next drawing, handwritten note, or holiday card. Registration Opens on August 11, closes […]
(All ages) Step into a magical realm of frost and snow at our Winter Wonderland Curiousiday! This enchanting celebration of winter invites attendees to uncover the fascinating scientific phenomena that define this chilly season, from the physics of snowflakes to the biology of winter wildlife. This event is open to the public and included free with standard museum admission, […]
We live in a time of accelerated environmental change, with organisms forced to shift their ranges, adapt to new pressures, or face extinction. As archives of biodiversity, museums are especially well situated for understanding these organismal responses. In this lecture, Dr. Hayley Lanier will discuss how we use museum specimens to understand and track these […]
The museum will have adjusted hours during the holiday season. We wish you happy holidays and a wonderful New Year!
