Meet the Mammals, November 22, 2008
Museum goers enjoyed the diversity of mammals, ranging from shrews to whales. Mammalogists helped visitors to touch bones, pelts, horns, and antlers, and see amazing specimens including enormous whale skulls!

Mysteries of Ancient Egypt, October 26, 2008
Visitors discovered ancient Egypt with Burke archaeology experts and viewed the archaeology collections, including our Egyptian mummy and coffin! Click here to read more and play an ancient Egyptian game!

Bug Blast, September 28, 2008
Tiny microscopic bugs, huge live bugs, bees and bug-eating plants! Visitors enjoyed a cooking demonstration featuring David Gorge Gordon, "The Bug Chef," and hands-on activities including "seeing like a bug" through special bug-eye glasses, mask-making, watching glassed-in ant and honeybee colonies, and more!

The Last Polar Bear Opening Day, June 28, 2008
The Burke Museum offered a full day of talks and activities for the opening of The Last Polar Bear. The new exhibit features stunning photography by wildlife photographer Steven Kazlowski, who has dedicated over eight years of work to bring to life the immediate reality of this most pressing environmental crisis — the devastation of the Arctic ecosystem through global warming.

Mushroom Maynia, May 4, 2008
The Burke Museum hosted the Puget Sound Mycological Society for the first ever Mushroom Maynia. Visitors saw demonstrations of mushroom cultivation and mushroom art. They also discovered how to prepare tasty snacks, make spore prints, and use mushrooms in dyes and crayons.

Plateau Native Arts Celebration, April 26, 2008
Visitors witnessed the thriving traditions of Plateau Native saddle-making, weaving, and beadwork demonstrated live by the artists at the Burke Museum's all day Plateau Native Arts Celebration.

Members' Behind the Scenes Night, April 8, 2008
Burke Members got a backstage tour of the museum with displays of the latest and greatest from each division. Experts were on hand to talk about their discoveries and recent acquisitions. To go to exclusive events such as this become a Burke Member.

Burke 101 - Discovering Dinosaurs and Peoples of the Plateau, Winter 2008
Visitors enjoyed ongoing gallery presentations of Burke 101, a weekend program about current and relevant scientific inquiry which brings University of Washington and Burke research into the museum gallery with UW students as interpreters.

Dino Day!, Mar. 1, 2008
Record-breaking numbers of kids and adults showed up to see dozens of dinosaur-era fossils, take part in hands-on learning activities, crack open fossils with the Stonerose Interpretive Center, draw dinos and chat with Burke paleontologists.

Educator Open House, February 26, 2008
More than 80 people took advantage of this relaxed, after-hours event, which included refreshments, hands-on activities, and Education staff to acquaint teachers with Burke Education resources. Visitors explored the new exhibits Peoples of the Plateau and This Place Called Home and previewed the new Burke Box, "Rocks and Minerals of Washington State", which will be available for use in classrooms this fall.

Homeschool Day, Feb. 20, 2008
More than 80 students of all ages learned about rocks and minerals and the Native People of the Columbia River Plateau in group activities led by Burke Museum educators. Hands-on exploration stations were available around the museum, giving students the opportunity to explore the museum's collections relating to biodiversity, Northwest Coast Native cultures, and the natural history of Washington State. Those who RSVP'd received a very special treat from Qdoba Restaurant – a coupon for a free kids' meal! Thanks Qdoba!

Artifact ID Day, Feb. 9, 2008
Visitors met with dozens of experts to identify cultural objects from the Northwest Coast, Pacific Islands, and Asia, in addition to specimens from throughout the natural world (including bones, fossils or animal teeth).

Plateau Arts & Culture Opening, Jan. 26, 2008
Two exhibits of Plateau arts & culture opened on one day: Peoples of the Plateau, historic photos by Lee Moorhouse; and This Place Called Home, the best of the Burke's own eastern Washington collections, including beadwork, cradle boards, baskets, blankets, and more.