Early Morning events

Early Morning: The Pokémon Fossil Museum 

Meet a Scientist in the Grainger Science Hub

A Day in the Life of a Pathologist: The Science That Shapes Health

Cover of ¡Tocamos! © 2025 Lee & Low Books.

¡Tocamos! A Mexican & American Picture Book and Artisanal Collaboration

Windows, Mirrors, and Stories: Exploring Filipino Literature to Teach Identity and Culture

Teaching Through Storytelling: Coast Salish Weaving and Woolly Dogs

SUE Gallery 1327 (Hewett 2018)

Summer Institute 2026 – Interpreting Prehistoric Worlds: Fossils, Art, and Inquiry

Field Trip 577 (Johnston 2020)

Engaging Students Through Asian Popular Culture and Inquiry

Sueños de una Monarca Documentary Showing

PlayLab PlayDate: Pride Month Storytime with Chicago Public Library

Dust from the Cosmos

Gender and Identity in Ancient Egypt

PlayLab PlayDate: Pride Month

PlayLab PlayDate: Pride Month & Stonewall Day Storytime and Craft

Educator Open House

Dinopalooza 2026

PlayLab PlayDate: Fossil Fun Fest

Pinned, Preserved, and Powerful: How Collections Help Us Do Science

Moth Week! The Secret Lives of Moths: Uncovering Hidden Nighttime Stories

Statues and the garden in the Rice Native Gardens

Drawing Inspiration: Art in the Gardens 

¡Tocamos! Oaxacan Folk Art by Avelino Pérez

Poetry Pop-up: On the Wings of Pterosaurs

Poetry Pop-up: Animal Theater

Poetry Pop-up: Poets in the Field

A monarch in the Field Museum's Rice Native Gardens.

PlayLab PlayDate: Pollinator Week Storytime with Chicago Public Library

Adult monarch butterflies can be spotted around the garden in the summer. In addition to milkweed, they eat the nectar of flowers like coneflower, or Echinacea. 

PlayLab PlayDate: Pollinator Week Storytime with the Field Museum Science Action Center

PlayLab PlayDate: Mother's Day Storytime & Craft

PlayLab PlayDate: Father's Day Storytime & Craft

PlayLab PlayDate: Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Storytime with Chicago Public Library

PlayLab PlayDate: James Hutton Turns 300! 

PlayLab PlayDate: Mexican Folk Art Storytime with Author Cynthia Weill

The Juneteenth flag hanging from a balcony at the Field Museum of Natural History

PlayLab PlayDate: Juneteenth Celebration

Dozin' with the Dinos 

Meet a Scientist: Our Cosmic Origins

Meet a Scientist: Caribbean Fossils

Field Museum Gala

PlayLab PlayDate: Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Storytime 

PlayLab PlayDate: Cinco de Mayo Celebration

PlayLab PlayDate: Jewish American Heritage Month Storytime

Focus: Meteorites

RAPC_Banner_m.jpg

Image for Focus: Meteorites

PlayLab PlayDate: May the Fourth Space Rocks Celebration

Armour Seminar: Jane Buikstra & John Rick

See an Archaeopteryx come to life, then discover how its body became fossilized.

Illinois Free Wednesday  

Young visitors and a museum educator examine a teaching specimen together in the Grainger Science Hub

Papua New Guinea Collections Celebration

 Nectar Feeders vs. Insect Hunters: A Closer Look at Bats 

What Insects Call Our Garden Home (and Maybe Yours Too!)

Armour Seminar: Grace Burgin

Will I have access to the Pokemon Fossil Museum store at Collection Quest?

Will I receive a promotional trading card with my Collection Quest ticket?

I have more questions. Who can I talk to?

Can I purchase a meal voucher in person?

Will there be food/drink at Collection Quest?

What if my entire party does not arrive at the same time?

What happens if I miss my scheduled entry time for the exhibit?

Can I select my timed-entry ticket to the exhibit?

Can I purchase a ticket to Collection Quest upon arrival on the day of the event?

Does a ticket to Collection Quest include access to other exhibits in the museum?

Does a ticket to Collection Quest include admission to the Pokémon Fossil Museum exhibit?

What happens if I purchased Collection Quest tickets by mistake?

Are Collection Quest tickets transferable?

Will I receive a promotional trading card with my Family Night ticket?

Pokémon trading Archeops card.

How do I obtain the Pokémon Trading Card Game promo card commemorating the Pokémon Fossil Museum?

What happens if I miss my scheduled entry time for Family Night?

I have more questions about Family Night. Who can I talk to?

What if my entire party does not arrive at the same time for Family Night?

Will there be food/drink at Family Night?

Can I purchase a ticket to Family Night upon arrival on the day of the event?

Does a ticket to Family Night include access to other exhibits in the museum?

Does a ticket to Family Night include admission to the Pokémon Fossil Museum exhibit?

What happens if I purchased Family Night tickets by mistake?

Are Family Night tickets transferable?

Can I select my timed-entry ticket?

Will the promotional trading card be available for all museum visitors? Will the cards be restocked if they run out?

Can I purchase the Pokémon Fossil Museum merchandise outside of the Field Museum?

Do you have plans to restock Pokémon Fossil Museum merchandise should items sell out?

What are the purchase limits for Pokémon Fossil Museum merchandise? 

Will there be a retail experience for the Pokémon Fossil Museum?

 How long should I plan to spend in the exhibition? 

I have more questions. Who can I talk to? 

What happens if I miss my scheduled entry time? 

At what time should I arrive at the museum to see the Pokémon Fossil Museum exhibition? 

How do I purchase a ticket to the Pokémon Fossil Museum exhibition? 

Are there packages I can purchase to save money when visiting Chicago?

I have Chicago CityPASS®, Go City pass, or am eligible for discounted admission that I cannot reserve online—how can I secure tickets to the Pokémon Fossil Museum?

I'm a teacher, what should I expect in the exhibit?

What happens if I need to reschedule my group's visit? 

Can I purchase tickets for the exhibit on the day of my group’s visit? 

Can I receive a refund for students who missed the field trip?

 How long should my group plan to spend in the exhibition? 

Is there any special programming for my students?

I missed my group’s entry time. What should we do? 

In order to ensure that groups have a great visit, pre-K through 5th-grade students must be accompanied by a minimum of one adult for every five students and a maximum of one adult for every child. Students in 6th through 12th grade must be accompanied by a minimum of one adult for every ten students and a maximum of one adult for every child.

How many chaperones can my Illinois School Group bring?

After you submit your registration form, you will receive an email with an invoice PDF. You can submit that payment amount by mailing a check before the trip or calling our office at (312) 665-7500 with a credit card.

Payment must be received 2 weeks prior to your trip date. If payment is not received 2 weeks prior to the field trip date, tickets will be released to the general public.

How do I submit payment?

Illinois groups registered at least 2 weeks in advance are allotted a discounted price of $7 per person to enter the &nbsp;Pok&eacute;mon Fossil Museum exhibition. Every person entering the exhibit will need a ticket.

Your group will still be able to enter all General Admission exhibits on your trip.Limited tickets are reserved for Illinois field trip groups each day.

How much are tickets for the Pokémon Fossil Museum exhibition for Illinois field trip groups?

Starting March 3, Illinois field trip groups may register using our <a href="https://www.fieldmuseum.org/page/register-your-field-trip-group">field trip registration form</a>. &nbsp;All field trips should be booked at least 2 weeks in advance. Limited tickets are reserved for Illinois field trip groups each day.&nbsp;

How can my group register for a field trip to see the Pokémon Fossil Museum exhibition?

When will tickets be available for Illinois school groups?

Unfortunately, there are no scholarships available for this special exhibition. All Illinois students, chaperones, and teachers on the field trip who are visiting the exhibit must pay $7 to enter. You can still book your <a href="https://www.fieldmuseum.org/landing/field-trips">General Admission field trip</a> for free, and visit the Evolving Planet exhibition to learn about fossils.

My group can not pay the $7 per person fee to see the Pokémon Fossil Museum exhibition. Are there any scholarships or free programming?

What happens if I need to reschedule my visit? 

Are tickets to the exhibition timed?

Are tickets transferable?

Tickets for the date I want to visit are not yet available. When will I be able to access those?

How long will tickets be available for the Pokémon Fossil Museum? 

I’m a member—how can I redeem my member benefits for Pokémon Fossil Museum?

Are there any other websites that sell Pokémon Fossil Museum special exhibition tickets?

I didn’t receive an email confirmation for my tickets—who can help me? 

I have another question about visit Pokémon Fossil Museum—who can I reach out to? 

When can I make reservations for Pokémon Fossil Museum?

What’s the best way to stay up-to-date on Pokémon Fossil Museum?

How will I be able to make reservations for Pokémon Fossil Museum?

 How many Pokemon Fossil Museum special exhibition tickets are included with my membership?

 What does my membership include?

Do the tickets required for the Member Preview Days count against my allotment of Pokémon Fossil Museum tickets?

Do you have a lost and found?

How can I purchase tickets?

Does the Field Museum have parking available?

Do you have an adult-sized or universal changing space?

Do you have lockers or storage?

Do you have educational resources for students?

Do you have an area for nursing parents?

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Do you have sensory-friendly hours?

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

How do I book a group visit to the Museum? 

How do I get to the Field?

How do I schedule a field trip to the Museum?

Is there wheelchair-accessible parking? 

What is there to eat at the Field?

Where can I park?

Why can't I apply a community discount to my online ticket purchase?

Will the Field Museum donate tickets to support my fundraiser or event?

Can I take pictures?

Can I leave and come back later?

Can I have my wedding, party, or other event at the Field?

Can I bring a wheelchair or stroller?

Can I bring a bag?

Are there programs that offer free or discounted admission?

Are there hotels near the Field?

When is the Museum open?

What has SUE taught us?

Why is SUE so important?

How did SUE get to the Field Museum?

Do I have to wear a mask?

Do I have to be vaccinated to come to the Field?

Do you have wheelchairs or strollers to borrow or rent?

Does the Field Museum have an approved or preferred vendor list?

What are the venue rental fees for an event?

Is a deposit required? Is my deposit refundable?

The Field Museum

Media for Staff Profile

Early Mornings

Visit the Grainger Science Hub and meet scientists from the College of American Pathologists to&nbsp; explore the role of a pathologist and examine its impact on overall health. 
This interactive drop-in experience will introduce the world of pathology through hands-on observation, pattern recognition, and diagnostic thinking. Visitors will rotate through stations that mirror the work pathologists do every day: examining tissues, identifying disease patterns, comparing healthy and abnormal samples, and using clues to determine diagnoses. Discover how pathology is the &ldquo;detective work&rdquo; of medicine, combining science, visual analytics, and classification to understand disease.&nbsp;

See the latest science firsthand in the Grainger Science Hub.

Meet a Scientist

Dr. Kisha Mitchell Richards, Director of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Greenwich Hospital, Connecticut. Dr. Richards is Chair of the Curriculum Committee, Vice Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and founding member of the Society of Black Pathologists at the College of American Pathologists.

Dr. Christine Noga Booth, Professor of Pathology at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University and Director of Regional Cytology for the Robert J. Tomsich Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine in the Diagnostics Institute. Dr. Booth is a member of the Council on Scientific Affairs and the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Committee for the College of American Pathologists and is President of the American Society of Cytopathology.

Dr. Juanita Evans, Chair and Medical Director, Department of Pathology, Providence Southfield and Novi Campuses, Michigan. Dr. Evans is a Member of the Practice Management and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committees at the College of American Pathologists.

Dr. Lily Manon, Pathologist, Marshfield Medical Center, Wisconsin and Member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committees at the College of American Pathologists.

<h3>Presenters</h3>

<h4> Dr. Kisha Mitchell Richards</h4>

Director of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Greenwich Hospital, Connecticut. Dr. Richards is Chair of the Curriculum Committee, Vice Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and founding member of the Society of Black Pathologists at the College of American Pathologists.

<h4> Dr. Christine Noga Booth</h4>

Professor of Pathology at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University and Director of Regional Cytology for the Robert J. Tomsich Department of Pathology &amp; Laboratory Medicine in the Diagnostics Institute. Dr. Booth is a member of the Council on Scientific Affairs and the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Committee for the College of American Pathologists and is President of the American Society of Cytopathology.

<h4> Dr. Juanita Evans</h4>

Chair and Medical Director, Department of Pathology, Providence Southfield and Novi Campuses, Michigan. Dr. Evans is a Member of the Practice Management and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committees at the College of American Pathologists.&nbsp;

<h4> Dr. Lily Manon</h4>

Pathologist, Marshfield Medical Center, Wisconsin, and Member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committees at the College of American Pathologists.

Join us for a free talk featuring bilingual children's book author Cynthia Weill about her latest publication ¡Tocamos! 

Cynthia Weill is a renowned author of many award-winning bilingual children's books in English and Spanish. These books for young children, known as the First Concepts in Mexican Folk Art series (Cinco Puntos Press, an imprint of Lee &amp; Low Publishers) utilize hand-crafted figures made by artisans from the state of Oaxaca in M&eacute;xico. Beginning in 2003, Cynthia began collaborating with artisans to create lively and colorful figures made of papier-m&acirc;ch&eacute;, wood, ceramics, and totomoxtle (woven palm). These anthropomorphic and human figures are then photographed and incorporated into her bilingual children's books, such as her latest publication &iexcl;Tocamos!. Cynthia will talk about the process of developing these books and about the deep friendships she has developed with her collaborators, like the artist Avelino P&eacute;rez. P&eacute;rez' whimsical and artistically refined pieces illustrate &iexcl;Tocamos!, and now form part of the growing Mexican folk art collection at the Field Museum.
After Cynthia's talk, guests can enjoy seeing the many works of Oaxacan folk art from the collection that are rarely seen, from renowned artisans such as Mart&iacute;n Melchor, Maximino Santiago Garc&iacute;a, Agust&iacute;n Cruz Tinoco, Jes&uacute;s Canseco Z&aacute;rate, and many more.
This event will take place in Ward Hall, on the lower level near the Museum's west entrance. Light refreshments and snacks will be provided. 
Please note that while this event is free, it does not include general admission to the Field Museum, which can be purchased separately.

Naturally Occurring Sweet Things: Jewishness, Transness & Nature - Poetry & Conversation with H. Melt

Cultural Programming

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Join us for a professional development book club over the course of three dates on:
<ul>
<li>Tuesday, July 14, 2026 | 2:00pm&ndash;4:00 pm CDT at Restoried Bookshop | 4613 N. Kedzie Avenue, Chicago IL 60625</li>
<li>Tuesday, July 28, 2026 | 2:00-3:00pm CDT virtual on Zoom</li>
<li>Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 10:00am-12:00pm at Field Museum &nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Join a cohort of 20 educators for a three-part learning experience exploring Filipino history, identity, and storytelling through literature, dialogue, and place-based learning.
Together, participants will read Wild Song by Candy Gourlay and Mabuhay!, a graphic novel by Zachary Sterling, that brings Filipino history and culture to life for younger readers. Through guided discussions, educators will examine themes of colonialism, migration, resilience, belonging, and representation while considering how these stories can enrich classroom practice and support culturally responsive teaching.
The series will begin with an in-person gathering at Restoried, Chicago's only AANHPI-focused bookstore, where participants will build community and launch their reading journey. A second virtual session will provide space for deeper discussion and reflection on Mabuhay! The experience will culminate at the Field Museum, where educators will connect Wild Song to material culture and history through a special behind-the-scenes tour of the Philippine Heritage Collection.
By moving between books, community spaces, and museum collections, participants will gain a richer understanding of Filipino narratives and explore new ways to engage students with stories that illuminate the intersections of history, identity, and belonging.
<h4>Program Format</h4>
<ul>
<li>Session 1: In-person at Restoried Bookshop</li>
<li>Session 2: Virtual discussion</li>
<li>Session 3: Field Museum discussion and behind-the-scenes tour of the Philippine Heritage Collection</li>
</ul>
Audience: Grades 3&ndash;12 educators, librarians, and education professionals interested in Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander histories, literature, and culturally responsive learning experiences.
<h4>Registration Includes</h4>
<ul>
<li>2 books: Wild Song and Mabuhay</li>
<li>Access to all three sessions</li>
<li>Materials</li>
<li>Light breakfast and parking at Session 3 at the Field Museum</li>
<li>Behind the Scenes Tour of the Philippine Heritage Collection</li>
</ul>
Registration will remain open until July 9th or until full.
Educators who complete the workshop series will receive 5 hours of Illinois Professional Development Credit (CPDUs).
Questions? Contact Ria Pretekin, <a href="mailto:rpretekin@fieldmuseum.org">rpretekin@fieldmuseum.org</a>&nbsp;

Field Museum Connections: AANHPI Stories &amp; the TEAACH Act programming is made possible with the generous support of the Cyrus Tang Foundation.

Acknowledgments

Join us in person at the Field Museum for a professional learning experience and workshop!

Professional Development for Educators

Join us at the Field Museum on&nbsp;Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from 10am-12pm for Teaching Through Storytelling: Coast Salish Weaving and Woolly Dogs.
In this session created especially for Early Childhood teachers, hear from Eliot White-Hill, Kwulasultun (Snuneymuxw) about storytelling and the importance of the woolly dogs for the Coast Salish people. Then, learn more about Coast Salish weaving by experiencing our new Early Childhood <a href="https://fieldmuseum.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eaf2429b25c9bd9768bfd6a32&amp;id=739ff71d70&amp;e=380e3ff4ac">Woolly Dogs field trip class</a> for yourself!
<h4 dir="ltr">Educators will</h4>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">Understand: That weaving tells a story and that storytelling in the Coast Salish community is a powerful means of conveying knowledge and preserving culture.</li>
<li dir="ltr">Do: Practice weaving and listen to a story about the woolly dogs and their importance to Coast Salish people.</li>
<li dir="ltr">Feel: Prepared to utilize best practices in early childhood learning to make the unfamiliar familiar.</li>
</ul>
Registration is open to formal and informal educators of all levels, though activities for this session are most applicable for PreK-Grade 1 teachers.&nbsp;
Illinois Educators will earn 2 hours of Professional Development for attending this two-day training.
<h4 dir="ltr">Your registration includes</h4>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Materials
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Light breakfast
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Parking&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
Looking to be more environmentally-friendly? You can find public transit options <a href="https://www.fieldmuseum.org/page/directions-parking">here</a>.
Registration will remain open until Tuesday, August 4, 2026, or until full.
Program questions? Contact Samantha Chapleau, <a href="mailto:schapleau@fieldmuseum.org">schapleau@fieldmuseum.org</a>.

Learn about the Coast Salish woolly dogs and how storytelling is a powerful means of conveying knowledge and preserving culture.

<h3>Standards Alignment</h3>

<h4>Skyline:</h4>

<ul>
<li>
PreK Social Science
</li>
<ul>
<li>
Unit 4: Me and My World
</li>
</ul>

<li>
Grade K
</li>
<ul>
<li>
Unit 1: Getting Along Together
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="2">
Unit 4: From the Past to the Future
</li>
</ul>
<li>
Grade 1: Living, Learning, and Working Together
</li>
<ul>
<li>
Unit 4: Past, Present, and Future
</li>
<li>
Unit 5: The Work We Do
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
Illinois Social Studies Standards Geography: SS.1.G.3. Compare how people in different types of communities use local and worldwide environments to meet their daily needs.
Illinois Social Studies Standards History: SS.K.H.1. Compare life in the past to life today, including the points of view of diverse groups of people
Illinois Social/Emotional Development Standards: 31.A.ECa show empathy, sympathy, and caring for others.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.1.3 Describe characters, settings, and major events in a story, using key details.
Social Justice Standards Diversity 8: DI.K-2.8I want to know about other people and how our lives and experiences are the same and different.

In this two-day, interdisciplinary session, explore how fossils – and art! – hold clues for interpreting the past.

Join us at the Field Museum on Wednesday, July 8 from 9am-12pm and Thursday, July 9 from 8-10am for this year&rsquo;s exciting two-day Summer Institute &ndash; Interpreting Prehistoric Worlds: Fossils, Art, and Inquiry.
In this two-day, interdisciplinary session, educators will explore how fossils hold clues for interpreting the past.
We will engage in inquiry with fossils and reflect upon how art, including popular media, can be used to help us illuminate both what we know and what we do not.
Educators will . . .&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Understand: Fossils hold clues for interpreting the past.</li>
<li>Do: Engage in inquiry with fossils and reflect upon how art, including popular media, can be used to help us illuminate</li>
<li>both what we know and what we do not.</li>
<li>Feel: Prepared to engage students with interdisciplinary activities.</li>
</ul>
Science, social science, and fine arts-aligned. Registration is open to formal and informal educators of all levels, though activities for this session are most applicable for teachers of Grades 3-8.&nbsp;
Illinois Educators will earn 5 hours of Professional Development for attending this two-day training.
Your registration includes:
<ul>
<li>Materials</li>
<li>Light breakfast</li>
<li>Parking</li>
<li>Private early-hour access to Pok&eacute;mon Fossil Museum! Please note, the Pok&eacute;mon Fossil Museum exhibition store will not be open, and access to the exhibit does not include the trading card.</li>
<li>Looking to be more environmentally-friendly? You can find public transit options <a href="https://www.fieldmuseum.org/page/directions-parking">here</a>.</li>
</ul>
Registration will remain open until Wednesday, July 1, 2026, or until full.
Program questions? Contact Samantha Chapleau, schapleau@fieldmuseum.org.

Sponsor

Northern Trust (stack)

<h3 align="center">Official Partner</h3>

Programs & Series

Events by Audience

Early Morning: The Pokémon Fossil Museum

Early Morning: The Pokémon Fossil Museum

Early Morning: The Pokémon Fossil Museum

Heritage Months

12

Saturday, September 12

29

Saturday, August 29

10

Saturday, October 10

Guided Tours

Programs & Series

Events by Audience

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Early Morning: The Pokémon Fossil Museum

Early Morning: The Pokémon Fossil Museum

Early Morning: The Pokémon Fossil Museum

Heritage Months

12

Saturday, September 12

29

Saturday, August 29

10

Saturday, October 10

Content to explore

Guided Tours