Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Announces $2.1 Million Campaign to Reimagine and Reshape

1. Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Announces $2.1 Million Campaign to Reimagine and Reshape the Museum Experience Deeply rooted in one of the most ecologically diverse regions in the world, the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History aims to inspire discovery, wonder and stewardship. Pacific Grove, CA, July 22, 2019 - Deeply rooted in one of the most ecologically diverse regions in the world, the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History aims to inspire discovery, wonder and stewardship. Through history, science and a strong bond with its community, this inclusive museum in downtown Pacific Grove has transformed itself into a community and educational hub that reimagines and reshapes the typical museum experience. To continue its growth and service to the community, the museum has announced a nearly $2.1 million, multi-stage capital campaign, beginning with Phase 1 — an interactive bird exhibit. On Aug. 28, the museum will unveil “The Amazing Adaptations of Birds,” an exhibit that houses one of the best single-county collections in the country. This first of nine phases in the museum’s renovation includes restoring the birds to their original splendor, adding design upgrades, and installing several new interactive elements. The unveiling will include a public gathering on August 28th at 5:30 p.m. with an address by the museum’s executive director Jeanette Kihs. On Sept. 5, the Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce and Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce will hold a dual ribbon-cutting from 5–7 p.m., with both city mayors in attendance. The museum invites the community to participate in this united campaign to help increase and deepen the blueprint on families and the natural world through the creation of the following spaces: Children’s Exhibit — BUGS! The museum already delivers free programming to more than 10,000 children each year. This exhibit will allow children ages 0-5 to explore science in a hands-on manner. Featuring multiple local habitats and the invertebrates that inhabit them, this space will serve as a kinetic exploratory space for young ones, a touchstone for local young families to visit regularly, and a launching point for the museum’s youth-focused programming. The Changes of Monterey County

2. The local ecosystems are incredibly diverse, and provide visitors with an opportunity to see all that the region has to offer. It also allows the museum the opportunity to use those local environments to tell the story of change — particularly in regard to the climate. Using these stories of the past and present, the museum will show how current behaviors can help or hinder the health of ecosystems. The Power of Collections Museum collections were the original internet: references to our history, organisms from near and far, and a warehouse devoted to our collective historical memory and scientific knowledge. This exhibit will illustrate the important new roles old collections have in the newest sciences. By studying collections of the past, we can make better predictions for the future. Museum Entrance A remodeled entrance will be the museum’s opportunity to create a new, more welcoming reception area. Extending the front and creating a more efficient entry system will improve the visitor experience and better introduce the museum and its stunning location through small exhibits. The Cultures of Monterey Bay The Monterey Bay area has been called home by a multitude of cultures over the past few centuries. From early Native Californians to Chinese, Italian and Portuguese, many groups came to fish, ranch and farm in this fertile place. This exhibit will explore and highlight the stories that make up the region’s rich cultural tapestry. Nature’s Backyard There is no better way to learn about nature than to be outdoors. The museum plans to transform the backyard into a space for families to share in the exploration of nature, through active play areas and dig pits, all surrounded by a lush native garden. Catering kitchen Nothing creates community like a good meal, and events are a fantastic way for guests to experience the museum in a new way. A new kitchen will allow the museum to be open longer, create new audiences, and serve in more creative ways. Open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., the museum is at 165 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. For more information, call 648-5716, or visit www.pgmuseum.org. Contact:

3. Marci Bracco Cain Chatterbox PR Salinas, CA 93901 (831) 747-7455 http://www.pgmuseum.org