The Orion Township Public Library Welcomes Smithsonian Exhibit

Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human?, a national traveling exhibition exploring the complex field of human evolution research, will be on display at the Orion Township Public Library from Saturday, July 30 to Monday, August 22.

Through panels, interactive kiosks, hands-on displays and videos, Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human? invites audiences 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.

Based on the Smithsonian’s What Does It Mean to Be Human? permanent exhibition hall at the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human? 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,” said Karen Knox, director. “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.”

The exhibition will be accompanied by a series of free library programs, including presentations by Smithsonian scientists. For more details visit orionlibrary.org.

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. This 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, 9:30a-9:00p Monday through Thursday and 9:30a-5:00p Friday and Saturday. For more information and a schedule of events visit orionlibrary.org or contact Beth Sheridan, head of adult services, at 248-693-3000 x332 or sheridan@orionlibrary.org.