GAINESVILLE, Fla. — For adults who love feeling like a kid again, the Florida Museum of Natural History is hosting special events this fall for the 18-and-older crowd, each with a new twist.

“These events make the museum available to lifelong learners, not just our youngest visitors,” said Florida Museum educator Chelsea Collison. “We have something for everyone.”

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Attendees enjoy an evening of storytelling by Guts & Glory GNV. ©Florida Museum photo by Kristen Grace

During the newest Guts & Glory GNV event, “Fieldwork Fails: A Live Storytelling Event” Sept. 20 from 6 to 9 p.m., scientists will share stories about the reality and randomness of working in nature. Admission is $15 person, or $10 for UF students with a valid Gator 1 card. Pre-registration is suggested.

“Everyone loves sharing embarrassing stories, and scientists are no different,” said Florida Museum public programs coordinator Catherine Carey. “Adults visiting the museum with children are so concerned with their kids having a good time that they don’t get to enjoy the visit themselves. These events give grown-ups permission to enjoy the exhibits and not worry about naptime or homework.”

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Participants of the Pirate Murder Mystery interviewed actors during the dinner to find the murderer. ©Florida Museum photo by Kristen Grace

This year’s murder mystery dinner features a Halloween masquerade run by The Murder Mystery Co. These national experts in entertainment are bringing their spook-themed interactive event to the museum on Oct. 26 from 7 to 10 p.m.

“I think everyone wants to be the detective and try to figure out the murder, and it’s fun to dress up and enjoy an intriguing evening with friends,” said Florida Museum educator Tiffany Ireland.

Admission is $65, or $50 for museum members and includes a buffet and access to the “Permian Monsters: Life Before the Dinosaurs” exhibit. Pre-registration is required and visitors must register by Oct. 22

 

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The Atala butterfly, Eumaeus atala, is a rare butterfly with a limited range in Florida. ©Florida Museum photo by Jeff Gage

The museum will also launch its newest beer for butterfly conservation with First Magnitude Brewing Co., entitled Atala Pale Ale. Highlighting the rare Atala butterfly, this beer is “lightly tart with berry notes, mingled with fruity and floral aromas from the hops.” First Magnitude will host the launch on Nov. 1 from 5 to 8 p.m. The event is free, but a $10 donation includes $1 off all beers, and a $15 donation includes a signature glass and $1 off beers. Six packs, T-shirts and additional merchandise will also be available. All proceeds directly support butterfly recovery efforts in Florida.

 

For more information on “Fieldwork Fails: A Live Storytelling Event,” visit www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/event/storytelling or call 352-273-2062.

For more information on “Masquerade Murder Mystery,” visit www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/event/murder-mystery or call 352-273-2061.

For more information on the “Atala Pale Ale Launch,” visit www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/event/atala-ale or call 352-273-2022.

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Writer: Jessica Finkel, 352-273-2032, PRintern@flmnh.ufl.edu
Sources: Catherine Carey, 352-273-2064, ccarey@flmnh.ufl.edu; Chelsea Collison, 352-273-2062, ccollison@flmnh.ufl.edu; Tiffany Ireland, 352-273-2061, tireland@flmnh.ufl.edu
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu