Exploring & Preserving Maryland's Natural Treasures
Natural history collections are invaluable resources, yet Maryland is one of a few states that still lack a state-wide natural history museum. Since 1929, members of the Natural History Society of Maryland (NHSM) have worked tirelessly to preserve Maryland’s natural treasures. Learn about the history of our organization and the important role it has played […]
Cost: $0-5
We all look to the night sky. Our culture or location makes no difference. Do our stories about the night sky differ? Let’s learn the answer at a film screening of One Sky at Towson Planetarium. This documentary is an international collaboration designed to increase our understanding of cultural and Indigenous astronomy, its historical and modern […]
Cost: $10-15
Conowingo Fisherman’s Park holds a top spot in the US for viewing bald eagles. Eagles can be found year-round here, but during the winter months, their numbers soar. Eagles dot the trees and soar over the rapids, watching for shad, herring, and eels to bob up to the water’s surface, stunned by the dam’s turbines. […]
Cost: $10-25
You may have just put away your Christmas lights but we still can light up your night! There are many animals, plants, minerals, and algae that glow in the dark. Some, like scorpions and calcite, only appear different under ultraviolet light. Others, like dinoflagellates and fireflies, are visible to the naked human eye. This may […]
Cost: $0
“From the summit of the years, I look back over my life and see what I have escaped and what I have missed.” Published in 1913, Summit of the Years is a collection of essays John Burroughs penned when he turned 70. It is a contemplative exploration of transition that looks back and forward, with nature as guide […]
Cost: $0
Volunteers have been and remain central to our success. Volunteers lead outings, teach classes, share nature with the public, help at community events, build/design exhibits and educational materials, greet visitors, work in the gift shop, help with social media, take pictures, and much more. We are grateful for our volunteers that generously donate their time to […]
Cost: $0
Water covers 2/3 of planet Earth, is essential for every living thing, and can be used to teach all subjects. If you aren’t integrating water into your curriculum, water you waiting for? The Aquatic WILD program, a subset of Project WILD, is for formal and non-formal educators (PreK-12th Grade) interested in teaching young people about aquatic […]
Cost: $10-15
By popular demand, NHSM is expanding our public exhibit hours. Come for the Ice Age in Maryland exhibit featuring our wooly mammoth, and linger for more fossils, seashells, gemstones, archaeological artifacts, and other treasures. You never know what the curators will bring out. Admission is always free! Join us between 10 AM and 2 PM!
Cost: $0
Many people know how to identify trees by their leaves, but what about when those leaves have fallen or are out of reach? Through our learning process you will deepen your ability to notice details and you perception of trees. You will learn about a system for noticing the beautiful variety of bark characteristics and […]
Cost: $50-65
In anticipation of Darwin Day 2025, the NHSM Fossil Club is pleased to host Dr. Charles Breeze for an exploration of how cutting-edge advances in epigenetics and molecular biology shed light on mammalian evolution. By examining the role of regulatory elements—genetic “switches” that control gene expression—we’ll delve into how these elements drive evolutionary adaptations and […]
Cost: $0-0