What Does It Mean to be Human (960x300)

Saint Paul Selected to Host Smithsonian Exhibit

Saint Paul School of Theology has been selected to host the traveling exhibition Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human? through a national competition offered by the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) and the American Library Association (ALA). 
“Saint Paul is very excited to be one of just six theological seminaries in the country to be selected to host this unique and fascinating exhibit,” said Seminary Exhibition Coordinator Dr. Nancy Howell. “No one will want to miss seeing the seminary transformed into a science museum, and we have an impressive line-up of programs planned, with offerings for children and adults. We hope everyone will join us in a conversation about what it means to be human.” 

 

In addition, scientists and other experts from the NMNH Human Origins Program will visit the seminary’s Kansas Campus in Leawood, Kansas, to host events for the community, including a clergy program, educator workshop, community conversation, and more. Through panels, interactive kiosks, hands-on displays, and videos, Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human? invites viewers of all ages to learn about the milestones in the evolutionary journey of becoming human and encourages a public conversation that opens multiple perspectives on what it means to be human — one that embraces the ideas and beliefs of non-scientists and fosters a greater appreciation of the complexity of the science of human evolution. 

Seminarians, alums, clergy, schools, churches, and the community are encouraged to visit and engage in conversations that matter scientifically and theologically.  This exhibition is free and open to the public for viewing February – May 2025.

Later this fall, additional details will be announced regarding visiting hours and registration for special event programs. To have news and updates delivered to your inbox, we invite you to subscribe to Saint Paul emails at https://app.donorview.com/Pq5ln.

Are you interested in volunteering as an exhibit docent? If so, please contact Dr. Nancy Howell () for more information.

If you would like to bring in a group to tour the exhibit, please contact Dr. Nancy Howell () to schedule your visit.

 

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Fossil Hippo Site, possible Olorongo Beds
Anthropologist/Artist John Gurche's bronze sculpture of a Homo neanderthalensis mother and child in the David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins.

Credit: Smithsonian's Human Origins Program

Exploring Human Origins: Promoting a National Conversation on Human Evolution is administered by ALA’s Public Programs Office in collaboration with the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History’s (NMNH) Human Origins Program.

During events, photographers and videographers will take photos, screenshots, and videos that may be used in future Saint Paul School of Theology marketing materials and/or broadcast via live-stream or recording. Virtual events may be recorded and made available online and on social media to the public. By attending this event, you agree to be photographed and/or filmed and give permission to use your likeness in promotional, virtual, and/or marketing materials. You hereby give Saint Paul School of Theology (SPST) the right to take pictures and/or recordings of you and grant the perpetual right to use your likeness, image, or photo, without compensation or approval, in any medium, including social media. You waive and release from any liability SPST, its affiliates, and its students, board members, employees, donors, and each and all persons involved.