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The museum announces plans for an $11.4 million redevelopment that will add new exhibit space with the theme “Cherish Nebraska” showcasing the evolution of life and natural systems of the region through exhibits on geology, paleobiology, parasitology, weather and climate, and Nebraska biodiversity and ecosystems past and present. The redevelopment project will be funded entirely with private donations and represents the largest ever private investment in the museum and its largest fundraising effort. Closed to the public for more than 50 years, the fourth level of the historic 1920s-­‐era Morrill Hall will be transformed into state-­‐of-­‐the-­‐art exhibits using modern technology comparable to those of the Smithsonian. Last renovated in 1963, the redevelopment project will provide nearly 20 percent more exhibit space available in Morrill Hall for visitors to explore. Preliminary design concepts include a working paleontology laboratory for UNL researchers with an observation window for visitors. Like other areas of the museum, the new exhibit space will become a platform for distance learning, using two-­‐way videoconferencing technology to help take the museum into classrooms across the state and beyond. An area on the roof of the building will be added to accommodate updated heating and air-­‐conditioning systems and electrical equipment. Restrooms and office support spaces will also be upgraded, and the museum will be equipped with a new fire suppression system throughout the building. Preliminary plans call for construction to begin in 2016 •
University of Nebraska State Museum Established in 1871, the University of Nebraska State Museum is the state’s premier museum of natural history and has a statewide mission to engage in research, teaching and public outreach. The museum is focused on promoting discovery in natural science, fostering scientific understanding and interpretation of the Earth’s past, present and future and enhancing stewardship of the natural and cultural heritage of Nebraska through world class exhibits, collections and special events. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and became a Smithsonian Affiliate Museum in 2014. For more information, go to museum.unl.edu. University of Nebraska Foundation The University of Nebraska Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization raising private gifts to support the University of Nebraska for more than 79 years. Last year, donors provided the university with $258.1 million for scholarships, academic programs, medical and other research, faculty support and facilities. For more information, visit nufoundation.org. Mandy Haase-­‐Thomas, NU State Museum, 402-­‐472-­‐3779, [email protected] Robb Crouch, NU Foundation, 402-­‐458-­‐1142, [email protected]