Alabama Museum of Natural History Chronicle

M u s e u M

ChroniClei n s i d e t h i s i s s u e :

From Earth to the Universe

Moundville Museum to Reopen

Moundville Native American Festival 20th Anniversary

Museum Members

A Day in the Life of the Collections Department

Christmas Open House

Children’s Christmas Market

Discovering Alabama Partners with Woodland Forrest Elementary School

Todd Hester joins AMNH

Alabama Museum of Natural History • Discovering Alabama • Moundville Archaeological Park • Office of Archaeological Research • Gorgas House • Museum Collections

N e w s f r o m t h e U N i v e r s i t y o f A l A b A m A m U s e U m s • N U m b e r 3 2 • w i N t e r 2 0 0 9

2 M U S E U M C H R O N I C L E

The University of Alabama’s Museum of Natural History announces the opening of “From Earth to the Universe,” a photographic exhibit on display in the Museum’s Atrium Gallery.

The exhibit consists of 26 stunning images of the universe taken from various telescopes around the world and many of NASA’s space probes.

The images in “From Earth to the Universe” are a sample of the wide range of galaxies and star clusters in the universe. The exhibit is part of the mission for the International Year of Astronomy 2009 to bring the universe to everyone.

Published periodically during the year by The University of Alabama Museums

Robert Clouse, Ph.D.Executive Director

The University of Alabama Museums

Board of Regents

Ben Barnett, Board PresidentTuscaloosa, AL

Larry Taylor, Board Vice PresidentMoundville, AL

Prescott Atkinson, Ph. D., M. D.Birmingham, AL

Catherine Sloss CrenshawBirmingham, AL

Darla GravesOwasso, OK

Tommy HesterTuscaloosa, AL

M u s e u M

ChroniCle

Mike JenkinsMontgomery, AL

Steve JohnsonTuscaloosa, AL

Thomas JoinerTuscaloosa, AL

Douglas Jones, Ph. D.Tuscaloosa, AL

Eleanor MayTuscaloosa, AL

Douglas McCrawFt. Lauderdale, FL

Tom McMillanBrewton, AL

Beverly PhiferTuscaloosa, AL

Tom SemmesSan Antonio, TX

Marguerite Smith ShortBirmingham, AL

Nick Tew, Ph. D.Tuscaloosa, AL

Terry WatersTuscaloosa, AL

Tom WatsonTuscaloosa, AL

Exhibi t Opens at Museum of Natural H istory

“We are pleased to serve as a venue for this international exhibition,” said Randy Mecredy, director of UA’s Alabama Museum of natural History. “These wonderful astronomical images offer views of space that show our audience the wonder of the cosmos.”

“These images represent the most memorable products of many cameras and telescopes, at locations from sea level to the vicinity of Saturn,” said Dr. William Keel, professor of astronomy and curator of the exhibition. “They were selected for visual impact rather than a survey of the science, and a good way to take them in is to simply let the impressions wash over you.”

n o v e m b e r 26 Thanksgiving - All Museums closed 27-29 Thanksgiving Holidays – Alabama Museum of Natural History and Gorgas House – closed

d e c e m b e r 6 Open House - Alabama Museum of Natural History 11 Children’s Christmas Market - Alabama Museum of natural history 24-25 Christmas Holidays - Moundville Archaeological Park - closed 24-31 Christmas Holidays - Alabama Museum of natural History and Gorgas House - closed

J A n U A r Y 1 New Years Holiday - All Museums closed

TBA Jones Archaeological Museum grand re-opening - Moundville Archaeological Park

F e b r U A r Y 13 “Night at the Museum: Dinner and Dance” - Alabama Museum of natural history

3M U S E U M C H R O N I C L E

A superb face-on spiral galaxy, The Whirlpool is a popular target for amateur astronomers. This image shows what the NASA / ESA Hubble Space Telescope saw when it observed this classic spiral. Special filters highlight the red glow of enormous hydrogen gas clouds, and this view shows how The Whirlpool is interacting with its much smaller neighbor, the yellow-coloured NGC 5195. (S. Beckwith for the NASA/ ESA Hubble Heritage Team)

“This exhibition stretches around the globe,” said Keel. “Our installation has the added feature of a research partnership with the new Planetario Habana in Cuba where these prints will be on display at the opening of the new planetarium and science outreach center in Havana.”

The exhibit will be on display at the UA Museum of Natural History now through the beginning of 2010. The Museum is open Monday thru Saturday from 10 am to 4:30 pm. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children – UA students, staff and faculty are admitted for free.

The International Year of Astronomy 2009 celebrates the first astronomical use of the telescope by Galileo – a momentous event that initiated 400 years of astronomical discoveries and triggered a scientific revolution which profoundly affected our worldview. Now telescopes on the ground and in space explore the universe, 24 hours a day, across all wavelengths of light.“The International Year of Astronomy

2009 gives all nations a chance to participate in this ongoing exciting scientific and technological revolution,” said Catherine Cesarsky, president of the International Astronomical Union.


L-R: Mary T. Newman demostrates pottery making and firing for visitors; Debbie Snow, a volunteer with archaeology firm Pan American Consultants, teaches kids how to make corn shuck dolls; Muscogee storyteller, Kate Taluga recently rejoined us at the festival after several years absence; Claudia Thompson, who has been at the festival since its inception, demonstrates beadwork to visitors.

Moundville Archaeological Park celebrated the 20th anniversary of its Native American Festival, October 7 through 10, with a fanfare. Despite the damp during the weekdays and light rain on Saturday, over 8,000 visitors attended Wednesday through Friday; another 1,100 or so donning wet weather gear to join us on Saturday.

From a small, intermingled circle, the festival has developed into one of the largest and best recognized events of its kind.

In 1991, our first performers joined us. Storytellers, musicians and dancers involved the audience in their presentations. Next, came the demonstration arbors. Native Americans and other experts present the culture, heritage and lifeways of the southeastern Native American people. Elder basket maker Minnie Bell, is a cultural treasure herself.

The performance area moved around for several years until we found the perfect spot for it – a natural amphitheater to the north of the museum. In addition to traditional southeastern native dances and music, we started adding contemporary, award winning musicians.

As the University of Alabama, Department of Anthropology conducted fall field school digs at Moundville, we added “Archaeology in Action.” Naturally, this area moves from year to year as different areas of the park are researched. This past festival, the Office of Archaeological Research excavated an area for new handicapped parking near the museum. They kindly interpreted their findings to festival visitors. Early on organizers also noticed visitors detouring from the heart of the festival to visit Mound B and our Nature Trail. Who can resist climbing Alabama’s tallest mound? Since our patrons were already headed that way, we stationed guides there to provide extra information. Along with helping interpret Archaeology in Action, the UA Anthropology Club has been invaluable in staffing Mound B over the years.

Knapper’s Corner arrived in the late 1990s, after Moundville Archaeological Park its second successful knap-in – a stone tool making event. Flintknappers, who fashion stone points and other tools and weapons from rocks that break like glass, wanted to be grouped together so that they could demonstrate their art but be able to sell at the same time. By giving them

Knapper’s Corner, they could watch one another’s booths while teaching people how arrow and spear points were made.

Twenty one years later, from a handful of people, the Moundville Native American Festival now hosts over 250 Native Americans and other experts. Just as many people are behind the scenes – staff, volunteers and sponsors give their time, knowledge and money. We share a family ethic; we all do our part the best that we can. Each person, in the limelight or the background, helps promote cultural understanding, dispelling the stereotypes so many people imagine as Native American. For this, the Moundville Native American Festival owes its continued growth and very existence.

the Challenge for Moundville Archaeological Park

$5,000,000

5 mil

4.5 mil

4 mil

3.5 mil

3 mil

2.5 mil

2 mil

1.5 mil

1 mil

.5 mil

The Kresge Foundation has awarded the campaign for Moundville a challenge grant of $200,000. To receive the grant, UA must raise $450,000 by December 31, 2009. Every new private gift and pledge to the Jones Museum will count toward the Kresge challenge. Help us meet our goal – please contact Kelli Harris, Development Director, at 205-348-9826 or email her at [email protected].

2 0 t h A N N i v e r s A r y o f t h e N A t i v e A m e r i C A N f e s t i v A lM O u n d V i L L e A R C h A e O L O G i C A L P A R kCelebrates

Sculptures of raptors emerging as part of growing thunderheads are featured in the ceiling treatment of the museum renovation.

A view of the terrace and back of the new gift shop overlooks a lake in the park.

Three warriors that appear in Zone 1 of the renovation appear above. The faces of all the figures were cast from state and federally recognized Native Americans.

A huge face, similar to those carved on poles by early historic Southeastern Indians, wraps around one of the museum’s support posts; Zone 2 figures depicted are (L-R) the chief of Moundville, his wife, their son, the heir to the Moundville chiefdom and a maker of medicine; Two of the warriors bear the palanquin (a covered litter) upon which a noble bride is seated in preparation for her marriage to the heir of Moundville.


M O u n d V i L L e M u s e u M d u e t O R e O P e n L A t e J A n u A R YRenovations at the Jones Archaeological Museum at Moundville Archaeological Park have been progressing nicely and should be completed by late January, 2010. The last stage of the renovation, exhibit installation, is almost finished. Lighting is being adjusted; the computer special effects are receiving final programming; artifacts are being installed in cases; security is installed and fully functioning; and clothing is being placed on the life cast manniquins in the dioramas that will tell the story of Moundville’s elite. After the installation, the staff will spend several days prepping the museum for the public and will announce an opening date soon thereafter. In celebration of the newly renovated museum and exhibits, a public event at the park will take place in early spring that will likely include Native American performances and several hands-on activities.

2 0 t h A N N i v e r s A r y o f t h e N A t i v e A m e r i C A N f e s t i v A lM O u n d V i L L e A R C h A e O L O G i C A L P A R kCelebrates


Museums can only be as great as their patrons and the University of Alabama Museum system owes much of its success to our member involvement. Recognizing the vital role that Alabama’s rivers play in the beauty and uniqueness of our state, levels of our museum memberships are designated with river names.

As a member you are a critical part of the Museum family. Your contribution allows the Museum to enhance its collections, offer better programs, and serve the public in many ways.

With your help, we can provide programs that explore Alabama’s rivers and caves, fund the Summer Expedition and support Discovering Alabama television series, now entering it’s 26th year.

You also make possible the annual Native American Festival at Moundville and workshops on a wide range of subjects.

EUGENE ALLEN SMITH SOCIETY$5,000 and up

Mrs. Marguerite Smith Turner

SIPSEY RIVER$1,000-4,999

Dr. Robert A. ClouseMr. Steve JohnsonMr. Tom JoinerMr. and Mrs. Shelby S. Mackey, Jr.Dr. Beverly Phifer

COOSA RIVER$500-999

Mr. Tommy P. HesterDrs. Craig and Betsy SheldonMr. Tom Watson

CAHABA RIVER$250-499

Mr. Ben T. BarnettDr. Ronald J. ButaMr. Robbie CampDr. John W. CottierMr. Perry DaleyMr. Charleigh Robert DavisDr. Richard A. Diehl and Dr. Sue ScottMr. E. A. DrummondCDR Lee A. Hallman USN, RETDr. Arthur HowingtonDr. Douglas E. JonesMr. James R. JonesMr. Randy MecredyMr. and Mrs. Jeff PowersMr. James and Dr. Jane Rasco

Mr. and Mrs. William D. SeagroveMs. Elvira M. TateMs. Sara Taylor ThorntonDr. Edward R. UehlingMr. Terry Waters

BLACK WARRIOR RIVER$100-249

Mr. and Mrs. John J. BellMr. and Mrs. Robert G. Boliek, Jr.Dr. and Mrs. Richard BradtMr. and Mrs. James Mark BraswellMrs. Amanda Espy BrownMr. Jimmy L.ByramMs. Patricia CaddisMr. Mike CampDr. and Mrs. G. Norman CarlsonMrs. Jennifer CharlesMrs. Laura ClouseMr. and Mrs. Richard ClouseMr. Patrick R. ConnerTuscaloosa Convention and Visitors BureauMr. and Mrs. David G. CouringtonMr. Thomas Culpepper, IIIDr. Joyce DonleyMr. and Mrs. John C. DuckworthMr. and Mrs. Charles Ebert, Jr.Mrs. Margaret Koster FindleyMr. and Mrs. Lowell J. FriedmanDr. and Mrs. R. David GlasgowMr. and Mrs. George B. GordonMr. J. Howard GrahamMr. and Mrs. Van GravleeMr. T. Randolph Gray, Sr.Mr. Robert C. HarrisDr. and Mrs. H. Scott HestevoldMs. Cheryl HinesMs. Susan HodgesDr. and Mrs. Richard Holland

Dr. and Mrs. Gary HooksMs. Hillary H. JeffcoatDr. Max JoinerMr. and Mrs. Bert JonesMr. and Mrs. Ralph R. JonesThe Honora Gay LakeMr. and Mrs. Charles H. LandMr. and Mrs. Will Liddell, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Peter LoweMs. Dorothy MalaierDr. and Mrs. John MarkushewskiMrs. Eleanor Weatherford MayDr. Joan MitchellMrs. Eileen R. MooreDrs. Jerry and Isabel OldshueMr. and Mrs. John T. Oliver , Jr.Mr. Timothy OttMr. Charles A. PittsMr. and Mrs. Samuel G. PorterDr. Michael J. QuinnMrs. Linda ReynoldsMr. and Mrs. Yetta Glenn Samford, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. H. Phillip SasnettMr. and Mrs. Ron SawyerMrs. Susie P. SimpsonMr. John SteinerMr. and Mrs. A. Lee SwetmanMr. Stephen Thoma and Amy E. SandbergMr. and Mrs. Cleophus Thomas, Jr.Dr. James H. ThomasMrs. Marguerite TodorovDr. Lakey W. TolbertMr. and Mrs. David TurnerMr. and Mrs. Bill VaughnMr. Robert B. WalkerMr. John B. WhiteDr. and Mrs. James R. WilliamsDr. William Winternitz & Ms. Madeleine HillMr. and Mrs. Bobby Wooldridge

Museum Members

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.


ALABAMA RIVER$40-99

Mr. Frank Jerome AdamsMs. Patricia G. AdamsMrs. Martha C. AtkinsonDr. Prescott AtkinsonMr. and Mrs. Ed AveryDr. and Mrs. John BeelerDrs. Philip and Ellen BeidlerMs. Mary Bass BelmontMr. William B. BlackmonDr. and Mrs. Harry L. BlewittMr. and Mrs. J.G. BrazilMs. Lela Anne BrewerDr. Edwin C. BridgesDr. Richard C. BrownMr. and Mrs. Harold H. BuchmannMr. Michael T. BurkhalterMr. Larry Ecter BurnetteMs. Nancy CallahanMs. Wendy CardenMr. Brent CatchingsMs. Amber ChenMs. Stacie ClarkMr. and Mrs. B. W. ColemanMrs. JoAnn H. CookMs. Lowell Virginia CraftMr. D. Tyrone CrowleyMr. Brooks DarbyMr. and Mrs. John B. DavisMr. Lewis S. DeanMr. Walter W. DeanDr. and Mrs. Temd R. DeasonMrs. Murrie DixonMr. William G. DotyDr. Charles M. EdwardsMr. and Mrs. James ElliottMr. and Mrs. Isaac P. EspyMs. Joanne Ethridge

Mr. and Mrs. Richard EvansMs. Molly F. GambleDr. William B. GardnerMr. Charles GleatonMr. John R. GoodloeMrs. Lydia Jane GoodmanMrs. Elizabeth HaglerMrs. Michelle Anderson HaleDr. and Mrs. John C. HallMr. and Mrs. Michael A. HatfieldMr. and Mrs. Harry HornMs. Channing HowingtonMr. and Mrs. William R. IrelandMr. and Mrs. Hallie A. JenkinsMr. and Mrs. James JoinerMs. Joan M. KingMr. and Mrs. Rodney A. KippMr. James W. LeeMrs. David LuethMr. Slay MagouirkMs. Elizabeth MayMr. and Mrs. David A. MaysMr. and Mrs. E. Mason McGowinMrs. Shirley MecredyMs. Jane P. MillerMrs. Paige L. MizeMr. and Mrs. Guy MomanMs. Elizabeth MotherwellDr. David D. NelsonDr. and Mrs. Paul D. NelsonDr. Kathryn OthsMr. and Mrs. Charles E. OttsDr. George OverstreetMs. Judith B. OwingsMs. Beverly C. ParnellDr. Rufus PartlowMr. and Mrs. Joe PearsonMs. Debbie PendletonMs. Genelle PerniaDr. and Mrs. Paul M. Pruitt

Ms. Olivia QuijanoMr. Jason E. RallsMr. Rodican P. ReedMr. Michael RichesDr. Andrew K. RindsbergMs. Augusta C. RobinsonDr. and Mrs. Tom RogersMr. John B. ScottMrs. Diana Lenard SecorMr. David R. ShawMr. Carson H. ShockneyMrs. Tammy Self SmithMs. Sydney SparkesDr. and Mrs. James StallworthMr. and Mrs. Jarel StarlingMr. Richard StoberMr. Franklin SullivanMs. Cammie L. SylverDr. and Mrs. Joab ThomasMr. Tim B. TownsendDr. Michael R. UrsicMr. and Mrs. Robert L. VecellioMs. Katherine WalcottMr. Edwin J. WalkerMr. Thomas H. WalkerDr. Lloyd C. WarrMs. LeeAnne WendtDr. and Mrs. Jerre R. WhiteMs. Hedy Hayward Woods

If you feel your name is not listed properly, please call or email Carolyn Averett at (205) 348-7551 or [email protected].

Photo credit: Beth Maynor Young


A d A Y i n t h e L i f e O f t h e C O L L e C t i O n s d e P A R t M e n t

The collections department is fortunate to have many volunteers, researchers, and students that bring both aid and scholarship to our day-to-day operations. Often times, there is more work to be done than hours in the day, so our volunteers are crucial to our success as a department.

The Alabama Museum of Natural History has been fortunate to have the dedication and expertise of Dr. Harry Blewitt. Dr. Blewitt has been volunteering his time with our vertebrate paleontological collections since 1998, and since last year has assumed the responsibility of reorganizing this collection to conform to taxonomic order.

Dr. Douglas Jones, former Executive Director of the UA Museums, has been gracious enough to volunteer his time inventorying the invertebrate paleo collection at the Alabama Museum of Natural History. He started this immense and time consuming project in 2006 and is now approximately two thirds done. Dr. Jones has the scientific knowledge of this discipline as well as the historical knowledge of these collections. Recently, Dr. Jones has been assisted by Dr. David Campbell of the UA Biology Department.

Dr. Richard A. Diehl, Curator emeritus of Mesoamerican Archaeology, is currently studying a portion of a large sample of ancient artifacts collected at Teotihuacan and other places in Mexico during the 1940s and donated to the Museums in 1986. Initially, Dr. Diehl is focusing on the 1,000 plus “candeleros” in the collection which are small crude hand-made clay incense burners used by every household. According to Dr. Diehl, candeleros were “surely the

ugliest things in the Teotihuacan tool kit.” When asked why study them, he responded that “while most archaeologists focus on temples and other large religious buildings, it also is very important to understand how ordinary people lived their daily lives and worshipped their gods. Candeleros and similar household objects help us to do this.”

The Office of Archaeological Research (OAR) has also been fortunate to welcome Thomas Potter, a student in the University of Alabama Anthropology Department, who came to OAR to expand his knowledge of archaeology and to work with collections. Mr. Potter assisted the Collections Department in

reorganizing, reintegrating, and updating the inventory of the 1993 National Science Foundation Mound Testing Project collection.

The collections department cares for natural history collections curated at the Alabama Museum of Natural History, as well as archaeological collections curated at Office of Archaeological Research in Moundville. With such an expansive range of collections, there are always new challenges, surprises, and learning opportunities; and we welcome the opportunity to share the collections with you.


VOLunteeRs wAnted fOR Muse uMs C O LLe C t i O n s PR O Je C ts – se C O n d C A LL

CURATION WORD SEARCH: find and circle the words described at the right of the puzzle(words may be found forward, backward, or at an angle)

Do you ever wonder where all the museum collections go when they’re not on exhibit? Are you interested in how museum collections are taken care of? Do you have an exacting attention to detail? Is there extra time in your schedule? If you answered yes to these questions, then you might be the person the Museum Collections Department is looking for.

The Museum Collections Department is currently conducting projects both on-campus and at the Office of Archaeological Research in Moundville. Projects on-campus include the re-housing and labeling of the rock and mineral collection,

data entry of collection inventories, and future inventories of different museum collections. Projects at the Office of Archaeological Research include rehabilitating and inventorying old archaeological collections, instituting a new accession file system, and data entry of archaeological inventories.

If you are interested and want to find out more information, please contact Mary Bade, Director of Museum Collections, at (205) 348-0534, or email her at [email protected].

M U S E U M C H R O N I C L E1 0

A Sampling of Discovering Alabama Viewer Mail

Discovering Alabama reaches students in a way that few educational programs do . . Each program captivates, teaches, and provides a springboard for further study in a variety of areas. Our teachers feel that students really do “discover Alabama.”

—elementary teacher, Homewood School System

I just want to tell you how impressed I am with the usability of your videos in the classroom. I am a new, first year teacher of Environmental Science… I have used your video about Village Creek to supplement my lessons concerning non-point source pollution. The students enjoy the video and it correlates with the causes of NPS Pollution very well. And, your personality and manner of speaking is very appealing to my students

—high school environmental science teacher, Jefferson County

I just wanted to share with you how much my fourth graders enjoy watching your videos. I ordered the entire collection several years ago. Keep up the good work! —fourth grade teacher, Talladega

I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate all that you do for Alabama, for environmental awareness, and for environmental education. You have reached more people in the general adult population with your programs and your very balanced message than anyone else in Alabama. That is a segment of the population that many of us struggle with how to reach with environmental education, and I think we often lose sight of how much you have contributed to that effort. Thank you for all that you do. —university professor, Birmingham

Discovering Alabama extends great appreciation to Woodland Forrest Elementary School for their ongoing interest in our series. Woodland Forrest Principal, Wanda Fisher, and a team of her teachers recently invited Discovering Alabama’s assistance as the school develops curriculum plans to become a “Discovering Alabama Model School”. Over the years Woodland Forrest teachers have attended various workshops featuring the educational resources and training assistance available through Discovering Alabama and the Alabama Museum of Natural History. Now the school is exploring ideas about creatively combining aspects of many of these resources, including the Discovering Alabama videos and Teacher Guides, Museum field programs, Discovering Alabama’s Project Community and Discovering Our Heritage

disCOVeRinG ALAbAMA PARtneRinG with wOOdLAnd fORRest eLeMentARY sChOOLK-12 programs, Discovering Alabama’s web-based Virtual Field Trips and Ask the Expert.

The resulting curriculum concept, envisioned by Woodland Forrest teachers as enabling a “Discovering Alabama Model School”, will engage students in the active discovery of local and state natural diversity to augment the study of science, social studies, language arts, mathematics, and other subject areas. Curriculum planning will proceed during this school year while funding is sought to support acquisition of important instructional materials and equipment, completion of an on-site “outdoor classroom”, provision of summer teacher training, and other needs vital to program implementation in 2010-2011.

AMnh hOLidAY OPen hOuse

December 6 from 4 to 5:30 – Kick off your holidays by joining the staff for tasty treats and holiday goodies at the Alabama Museum of Natural History.

ChiLdRen’s ChRistMAs MARket

December 11 from 4 to 7 – Round up the kids and get an early start on your holiday shopping at the annual children’s market at the Alabama Museum of Natural History.

f i R s t L e V e L A l A b A m A R i v e R

$ 4 0Unlimited admission (except for special events) to: • Moundville Archaeological Park Alabama Museum of Natural History Gorgas House Paul W. Bryant MuseumMembership newsletter•Discounts on Museum programs and Summer Expedition•Membership card and decal•Recognition in newsletter•Invitations to special member events •

s e C O n d L e V e L

b l A c k w A R R i o R R i v e R$ 1 0 0

Receive Discovering Alabama DVD’s•10% discount at University of Alabama Museum Shops•Other benefits as listed in previous level •

t h i R d L e V e L

c A h A b A R i v e R$ 2 5 0

Free admission to Moundville Native American Festival•Unlimited admission to Museums for member and 5 guests•Gift membership for one year at Alabama level•20% discount at University of Alabama Museum Shops•Other benefits as listed in previous level •

G i V i n G L e V e L s & b e n e f i t s

M uch of the natural beauty of Alabama is found among its many rivers. To recognize the vital role these rivers play in making our state unique, the University of Alabama Museums has designated gift member-ship levels with the names of some of Alabama’s best-known and beloved rivers.

All membership levels are important to the Museum. We hope you will be as generous as your circumstances allow.

f O u R t h L e V e L

c o o s A R i v e R$ 5 0 0

Unlimited admission to Museums for member and 7 guests•Book on natural history from The University of Alabama Press•Reduced rental rates for Museum facilities•Other benefits as listed in previous level •

f i f t h L e V e L

s i p s e y R i v e R$ 1 0 0 0

Unlimited admission to Museums for member and 10 guests•Three gift memberships for one year at Black Warrior level•Other benefits as listed in previous level •

s i X t h L e V e L

e u g e n e A l l e n s m i t h s o c i e t y$ 5 0 0 0

Special recognition in Smith Hall foyer•Special Museum excursion lead by Executive Director of The University of Alabama •MuseumsUnlimited admission to Museums for member and 15 guests•Other benefits as listed in previous level•

Yes, I/we want to support The University of Alabama Museums

A l A b A m A R i v e R $ 4 0

b l A c k wA R R i o R R i v e R $ 1 0 0

c A h A b A R i v e R $ 2 5 0

c o o s A R i v e R $ 5 0 0

s i p s e y R i v e R $ 1 0 0 0

e u g e n e A l l e n s m i t h s o c i e t y $ 5 0 0 0

My/our membership is enclosed

My employer wil l match this gift

Charge to:

MasterCard Visa

Account Number ______________________________________________

Expiration Date _______________________________________________

My Signature _________________________________________________

Name(s) _____________________________________________________

Address _____________________________________________________

Phone_______________________________________________________

E-mail ______________________________________________________

Please make checks payable to the University of Alabama Museums and mail to: Box 870340 • Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0340Your annual gift is tax deductible to the extent provided by law. Thank you for your support.

U n i v e r s i T y o f A L A B A M A M U s e U M s M e M B e r s h i P

1 1

Box 870340Tuscaloosa, AL 35487–0340(205) 348-7550

[email protected]

nOnPROfit ORG.u.s. POstAGe

PAidtusCALOOsA AL

PeRMit #16

tOdd hesteR JOins ALAbAMA MuseuM Of nAtuRAL histORY

The Alabama Museum of natural History is pleased to announce that Todd Hester has joined the staff as Museum Naturalist. Todd is native to Alabama growing up in Sulligent in Lamar County. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama in Geography with

a focus on Environment and Natural Resources. He is currently working toward a master’s degree at the Capstone in Geography. Todd is a member of the Sigma Alpha Lambda National Leadership Society and the American Planning Association Alabama Chapter. He has experience teaching laboratory classes in the Geography Department and brings a unique “environmental planners perception” to the museum education and outreach programs. “I’ve been a big fan of the Museum all my life,” says Todd. “I grew up watching Dr. Doug and Turkey roam across Alabama and I credit Discovering Alabama for choosing the path I’ve taken in life.”

Todd is looking forward to contributing all he can to the success of the Museum of Natural History and the Museum family as well. “This is what I consider to be one of the most important jobs in the world,” says Todd. “Educating the public of the importance of our natural world should be of paramount concern to our society.”

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Located on the UA campus adjacent to the Quad

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Alabama Museum of Natural History Chronicle

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Transcript of Alabama Museum of Natural History Chronicle