Early Origins of Humans Explored in National Traveling Exhibit

Lake Orion, MI — Southeast Michigan residents are in for a special treat.

“Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human?”, a national traveling exhibit based on a permanent exhibit at the Smithsonian Institution, will be on display at the Orion Township Library from Saturday, July 30, through Monday, Aug. 22.

The exhibit explores the complex field of human evolution research through panels interactive kiosks, hands-on displays and videos. Audiences are invited to explore milestones in the evolutionary journey of becoming human — from walking upright, creating technology and eating new foods, to brain enlargement and the development of symbolic language and complex societies — advancements that define the unique position of humans in the history of life.

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Based on the Smithsonian’s “What Does It Mean to Be Human?” permanent exhibition hall at the National Museum of Natural History, the traveling exhibit seeks to shed light on what we know about human origins and how we know it. The exhibition welcomes different cultural perspectives on evolution and seeks to foster positive dialogue and a respectful exploration of the science.

“The topic of human evolution can be controversial, and we are proud that Orion Township Public Library can help encourage a constructive, informative discussion on the subject,” library director Karen Knox said in a news release. “We encourage people of all beliefs to explore the exhibition, as it delves into human origins in a way that is understandable, fulfilling, captivating and relevant.”

Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human? was organized by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in collaboration with the American Library Association.

The project was made possible through the support of a grant from the John Templeton Foundation and support from the Peter Buck Human Origins Fund.

The Orion Township Public Library is located at 825 Joslyn Road, Lake Orion, MI 48362. The exhibition is free and open to the public during library hours, 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Special Events

“What Does it Mean to Be Human?” Art Show

July 30-Aug. 22

In conjunction with the Orion Art Center, artists of ALL AGES to enter artwork depicting their interpretation of “What does it mean to be human”? Enter your artwork by July 25 to the library, and be entered into a drawing for a participation prize! Art will be displayed in the library during the exhibit.

Human Evolution and Environmental Change

Wednesday, Aug. 3, 7 p.m.

The evolution of humans is deeply connected with changes in their surrounding environment. Climate changes over the past few million years have affected hydrological and seasonal cycles and influenced the distribution of humans and other species used as food by ancient hunters and gatherers. Lead by experts in the field from Oakland University, we will explore these past trends and see how they apply to future challenges.

Official Exhibit Opening: An Evening of Science
Saturday, Aug. 6, 7 p.m.

Join Dr. Rick Potts, Smithsonian paleoanthropologist and curator of the Exploring Human Origins traveling exhibit, as he explores the main themes and messages of the traveling exhibit. The talk and following conversation will explore how fossils, archeological remains, and genetic studies shed light on our connection with the natural world and the origins of sharing, caring, and innovation.

Exploring Human Origins Educators Workshop
Monday, Aug. 8, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

This workshop is for classroom teachers; science, nature center and museum educators, homeschoolers, and other local educators. Dr. Briana Pobiner, who leads the Human Origins Program's education and outreach efforts, and Dr. Connie Bertka, co-chair of the Smithsonian Institution’s Broader Social Impacts Committee, will present a workshop on human evolution for science educators. It will feature exploration and hands-on practice in presenting the Human Origins Program resources provided for each community. These resources include a set of five early human skull casts with an accompanying classroom activity, classroom-tested, high-school biology teaching units.

Exploring the Meanings of Human Evolution? A Community Conversation
Monday, Aug. 8, 7 p.m.

How do scientific discoveries about human origins relate to people’s personal understanding of the world and their place in it? Join Dr. Connie Bertka and Dr. Jim Miller of the Smithsonian Institution’s Broader Social Impacts Committee as they encourage a community conversation about human evolution that helps us to understand each other’s perspectives. They will be joined by Dr. Rick Potts and Dr. Briana Pobiner from the Smithsonian’s Human Origins Program.

Clergy Tour and Discussion
Tuesday, Aug. 9, 9 a.m.

This is a dedicated, private time for clergy to view the exhibit while the library is not open to the public. Dr. Rick Potts and Dr. Briana Pobiner, Smithsonian paleoanthropologists, will join the clergy in the exhibit space to discuss any questions clergy may have about the exhibit’s presentation of the science of human origins. The co-chairs of the Smithsonian’s Human Origins Program’s Broader Social Impacts Committee, Dr. Connie Bertka and Dr. Jim Miller, will facilitate a discussion among the attending clergy regarding questions the exhibit may raise for their religious communities. A reception will follow. To register, call 248-693-3001.

Book Discussions

Monday, Aug. 15, 7 p.m.

“Summer for the God: The Scopes Trial and America’s Continuing Debate Over Science And Religion” by Edward Larson

Monday, Aug, 22 @ 7 p.m.

“Your Inner Fish,” by Neil Schubin

What is Archaeology?

Wednesday, Aug.17, 7 p.m.

Join Oakland University Professor Mike Pytlik, who leads OU students on annual archaeological digs in Israel, as he presents slides and artifacts from those exciting excavations. Find out how archaeologists know what they know.