Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1207269
Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Director Jeanette Kihs says that the 137-year-old museum, now getting a $2.1M makeover, makes science and nature fun. 78 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 2 0 A stroll through the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History unveils everything from Native American baskets to antique pot- tery to artifacts collected by Lou Henry Hoover, the wife of President Herbert Hoover. Now, the 137-year-old museum is under- going a $2.1 million makeover that offers new reasons to visit. The first phase, a refurbished bird gallery completed in August, features more than 400 mounted specimens plus new interactive sta- tions and bilingual interpretive panels exploring engaging facts. A pollinator-themed area for young children will open this spring, followed by a Changes of Monterey County exhibit debuting in the fall. "We make science and nature fun, and help chil- dren understand their place in Monterey County— the cultures that shaped this place, changes to the area, and the role that visitors can have in its future," says Museum Director Jeanette Kihs. Crews will redesign several exhibits, she adds, and update the event kitchen, native plant gar- dens and main entrance. "We want this to be a welcoming, inclusive, community place where everyone feels com- fortable, whether they know very little about natural history and science or have a Ph.D. in a related field," Kihs says. The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History is located at 165 Forest Avenue. For hours, events and exhibit details, please visit www.pgmuseum.org. Pacific Grove Museum of Natural Histor y's Major Makeover B Y R E N E E B R I N C K S SHORTCUTS NEIGHBORS Photo: Kelli Uldall