The 10th Annual Groundhog Gala! The Midwest Museum of Natural History presents its annual fundraiser to take place on February 3rd, from 6:00 – 9:00 pm, at Chapel in the Pines, 15165 Quigley Road in Sycamore, IL.
All proceeds from the Groundhog Gala will directly support the museum operations, which includes: caring for the world-class collection of mounted animals, supporting our educational programming and expanding our outreach opportunities, and providing our live animal ambassadors with the best care possible.
The Midwest Museum of Natural History has been a valued member of the surrounding communities since opening its doors in 2005. Each year thousands of visitors experience the natural world through the museum’s rich collection of North American, African, and geological specimens, as well as our live animal ambassadors!
Additionally, the museum provides quality educational programming to all age groups. In 2017, programs focusing on microscopy, cells, fruit and vegetable dissections, and many other STEAM topics were added to the calendar; as well as an exciting visit from owls housed at the Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab and Education Center! For 2018 we have even more planned, including a visit from the Illinois Natural History Survey’s Traveling Science Center in late March, and additional animal events!
This past year has seen a number of wonderful rotating exhibits geared toward all ages. A look at botany, “The Greener Side” explored everything green, a bubbly water adventure entitled, “Water World” explored life’s essential molecule; and an Oktoberfest inspired celebration : “Cheers! The History of Beer!” graced our rotating exhibit hall. “Cheers! The History of Beer!” also saw the museum partner with a local craft brewery, The Forge, to create a museum inspired blonde ale affectionately named, “The Armchair Anthropologist.” The coming year includes even more exciting new exhibits in our Rotary Gallery! Starting in mid-February, take a peek at our “Evolving Universe” and learn about galaxies, stars, planets, and maybe even take an imagination fueled rocket trip into outer space! Later, in June, learn how bees are a crucial part of agriculture, and why something so tiny has such a huge impact on humans, in: “Bees! What’s all the buzz about?” Additionally, we will be adding a new temporary exhibit space to the gallery with renovations to the Field Station exhibit!
Most notably, you will probably see the biggest change when you step in the front doors. December 2017 saw a new look for the main lobby which included changes in the gift shop, and a fresh coat of blue and gray paint to match the new logo and branding that was introduced in February of 2017!
As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the Midwest Museum of Natural History does not receive tax payer dollars. We depend entirely on support from admission and membership fees, grants, and the generosity of our donors and sponsors. This year the Gala is sponsored through the charitable donations of: Chapel in the Pines, First National Bank, Le Print Express, Northwestern Medicine, and an anonymous donor. Thank you sponsors!
We value your support of our great institution, and we hope to see you at the 10th Annual Groundhog Gala!
The Gala features dinner, dancing, live music, and a fabulous silent auction–all to support this world-class museum right down the road!
Tickets are $45 for one, $80 for two. Purchase tickets by calling: (815) 895-9777
