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Monday 9am - 4pm Tuesday 9am - 4pm Wednesday 9am - 4pm Thursday 9am - 4pm Friday 9am - 4pm

Hefner Museum of Natural History

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Hefner Museum of Natural History

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The Hefner Museum of Natural History seeks to increase visitors' knowledge of animal natural history; in particular, it emphasizes the animals of Southwest Ohio. Through its exhibits and collections, The Hefner Museum of Natural History helps visitors to understand and appreciate the importance of animal biodiversity, conservation and ecology.

10/29/2026

We just wrapped up nearly three weeks of events centered around the annual Hefner Lecture. It has been great to see so many new and familiar faces at the Museum over the last many days and nights. Thank you to all of our steadfast supporters! Here's some reporting on our activities:

On Thursday, Oct. 8, the Hefner Museum welcomed the American Bird Conservancy president to speak at the 52nd Hefner lecture and unveiled Ohio's migratory armadillo for public viewing.

10/22/2026

This article explores how human vision works, using the seasonally appropriate example of horror movies. But it doesn't dwell on the movies, rather how your eyes work and why you see what you see from a physical perspective. The article itself gives a nice overview and lots of links for a deeper dive.

Scary movies create tension in that space between perception and recognition, as your brain tries to determine what, exactly, you’re seeing.

10/07/2026

We are excited to announce that Left Field Tavern will be catering this year's Hefner Lecture Reception. Following American Bird Conservancy President Mike Parr's 7:30pm discussion of "Latin American Birds, Connecting Your Home to the Tropics," please join us at the Hefner Museum at 100 Upham for great food, including baked goods from the Graduate Student Bake-off! Special thanks to Third Place for Wildlife/ the Wilz Family for making this reception special, and to Wild Ones Miami Valley for sponsoring prizes for the Graduate Student Bake-off.

10/05/2026

If you would like to see the famous Armadillo specimen, it will be on display at the reception following the Hefner Lecture. I hope to see you all this Thursday! https://www.oxfreepress.com/an-armadillo-in-oxford-offers-clues-on-climate-change/

10/01/2026

https://miamioh.edu/news/2026/09/towering-white-oak-in-miami-university-natural-areas-named-champion-in-butler-county-big-tree-contest.html

The Osage Orange near Cook Field is not the only amazing tree specimen living on campus. There's a White Oak in Miami's Natural Areas and, not too far away is a Red Oak at the Community Arts Center.

When you visit them, take a look at the leaves and you'll be able to see a difference between these two seemingly similar but very different lineages of tree. For example, White Oak makes leak-proof barrels and boats, while Red Oak has a straw-like structure that leaks like a literal sieve.

More than 30 trees nominated across Butler County; Red Oak Champion located at Oxford Community Arts Center

09/30/2026

Miami is looking for a new director of our Geology Museum. There are lots of fun opportunities there and through partnerships with the Hefner and other museums on campus!

Limper Geology Museum Job Title Director Limper Geology Museum Department Geology and Environmental Earth Science Department Worker Type Regular Pay Type Salary Position Salary Minimum $67,000…

09/30/2026

New penguin species recognized by science for first time in over 100 years. Though many animals look the same to human eyes, their evolutionary relationships may be different enough to warrant designation as a separate species.

Southeastern gentoo penguin look almost identical to other gentoo penguins, so until recently experts thought they were all the same species.

09/28/2026

Get excited for the 52nd Hefner Lecture, which will be given by Michael Parr, President of the American Bird Conservancy on Thursday October 8, 2026 at 7:30 pm in Laws 100. He will be speaking on "Latin American Birds, Connecting Your Home to the Tropics.

Yes, we know it's Fall Break...but this will be worth sticking around for. We'll have a reception at the museum following the talk, with music, delicious food, and the graduate student baking competition! See you there.

09/26/2026

Tonight (Saturday, Sept 26) at 7pm, Jim McCormac will be speaking at Oxford Lane Library. HIs book, Gardening for Moths, is an incredible resource for those trying to rebuild biodiversity in their landscaping practice.

06/16/2026

Miami University is hiring a Natural Areas Manager

We are seeking a highly motivated person to serve as field manager for the Miami University Natural Areas system, comprising 1000 acres and over 17 miles of hiking trails. Duties for this part-time position include supporting research, education, and community outreach activities in the Natural Areas, routine maintenance of trails, operating off-road vehicles, and supervising student employees.

For the full job description and requirements, and to apply, please visit https://miamioh.edu/human-resources/jobs-and-careers/
and select: Open Staff Positions
In the Search window enter: JR104313

Questions about this position? Contact David Gorchov, Chair, Miami University Natural Areas Committee; [email protected]

Miami University offers a range of career opportunities in staff, faculty, student, and dining positions. Join a community committed to academic excellence and personal growth. Apply now!

Address

100 Upham Hall
Oxford, OH
45056

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 4pm
Tuesday	9am - 4pm
Wednesday	9am - 4pm
Thursday	9am - 4pm
Friday	9am - 4pm

Telephone

(513) 529-4617

Website

http://miamioh.edu/cas/academics/centers/hefner-museum/

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