The Virginia Museum of Natural History Foundation has received a $14,000 grant from the Helen S. and Charles G. Patterson, Jr. Charitable Foundation Trust of Florida for support of upcoming temporary exhibitions to be hosted at VMNH.

The Helen S. and Charles G. Patterson, Jr. Charitable Foundation Trust was established in 1997 and has been funded through the generosity of the late Charles G. Patterson, Jr. and his wife Helen S. Patterson.  The Patterson Trust provides support for museums, historic sites, fine arts centers, and liberal arts colleges in Virginia.

“The generous support of the Patterson Trust is critical to ensure that we continue to host top quality exhibits at the Virginia Museum of Natural History,” said Debbie Lewis, director of development at VMNH.  “Quality changing exhibits are essential to the museum’s mission, from encouraging school group visits to providing quality of life benefits to visitors of all ages.”

The grant will provide support for the exhibits “Eyes on Earth”, and “Animal Secrets”, both of which come from the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

“Eyes on Earth”, open at VMNH from October 2, 2010 to January 8, 2011, is a highly interactive science exhibition that focuses on NASA’s Earth Observing System and examines how satellite observations are made and what we can learn about the Earth using space technology.

“Animal Secrets”, open at VMNH from January 22 to May 7, 2011, uses imaginative role-play and hands-on activities to allow children and families to discover nature from an animal’s point of view in naturalistic environments, including a stream, woodland, meadow, cave and naturalists tent.

“Both the ‘Eyes on Earth’ and ‘Animal Secrets’ exhibits should be popular attractions for visitors of all ages,” said Ryan Barber, director of marketing and external affairs.  “These exhibits are innovative, educational, entertaining, and highly interactive.”

Click here to learn more about the Eyes on Earth exhibit.

Click here to learn more about the Animal Secrets exhibit.