AZ Museum of Natural History

We loved sharing a behind-the-scenes look at our MEAD program with board members of the Arizona Museum of Natural History Foundation. The Foundation works hard to support AZMNH research, education and outreach. Board members took part in two hands-on lesson demos. It was a fun way to showcase the engaging, inquiry-based learning experiences MEAD brings to students.

We loved having the Mesa Youth Creative Agency visit AZMNH! MYCA is a program that gives local high school students real-world experience in design, photography, and other creative fields During their visit, they spent time drawing, photographing, and finding inspiration throughout the museum. It’s always exciting to see the many different ways people connect with this space- whether it’s learning, exploring, creating, or simply looking a little closer.

Every O'odham basket tells a woven story! The patterns you see in O’odham baskets aren’t random, they’re built through specific stitching techniques passed down over generations. Changes in materials, like the shift to yucca fibers, influenced how these baskets were made and what they looked like over time. Every detail reflects both tradition and innovation.

It takes a lot to keep a museum running, and we’re lucky to have volunteers who show up, step in, and make a difference every day. Whether it’s on the gallery floor, at events, or behind the scenes, their impact reaches far beyond what you see. Have you had a memorable moment with one of our volunteers? Share your story in the comments!

A little light paleontological reading for your weekend. Claws! They are such a useful adaptation that they keep showing up. So many different species have them! This article discusses the oldest known chelicera, "the pincer-like feeding appendages that define the subphylum Chelicerata and distinguish spiders from insects." What other 'clawed' animals will you find at AZMNH? my.mesaaz.gov/4vpqEp5

Journey through millions of years of history! From fascinating fossils to hands-on discovery, there’s always something new to explore. AZMNH is the perfect museum to visit again and again.

Have you ever wanted to try your hand at paleontology? Our outdoor Paleo Dig Pit lets you dig, brush, and discover fossils just like a real paleontologist! Grab your tools, bring your curiosity, and join the adventure at AZMNH.

Our Discovery Stations are now listed on our website! Explore fossils, artifacts, and more right alongside our passionate volunteers. Ask questions, examine real objects, and dive deeper into the stories behind the exhibits. Check the schedule to plan your visit and make sure you don’t miss these interactive experiences. my.mesaaz.gov/42cE4ah

Each of these figurines represents people, stories, and traditions from ancient Mesoamerican cultures. Made from materials like ceramic, stone, and wood, figurines have been created for thousands of years. Some were used in daily life, while others were placed in public spaces or used as offerings and representations of ancestors. From hairstyles to jewelry to facial expressions, these details reflect the diversity of cultural traditions across Mesoamerica. Take a closer look… which face stands out to you?

Meet Jeholopterus, a pterosaur from about 160 million years ago. At one point, it was even thought to be a “vampire” of the prehistoric world… but that idea has since been set aside.

We’re proud to see members of the AZMNH community continuing their journey in science. Benjamin Mohler, who spent time at the museum working with Dr. Robert McCord and the Southwest Paleontological Society, as well as volunteering as a gallery guide, is beginning his PhD program at the University of Arizona. Stories like this remind us how museums can ignite curiosity and inspire the next generation of researchers and scientists. Congratulations, Benjamin! We can’t wait to see what you discover next!

A little heavy anthropological reading for your weekend. The discussion about when humans arrived in the Americas is interesting. Some researchers adhere to the Clovis-first understanding, while others find reason to support a pre-Clovis migration. This paper explores this subject in depth in connection with the Monte Verde site in Chile. Which side do you think the evidence most favors? Did you change your mind after reading this paper? my.mesaaz.gov/411HNY1

Say hello to Suskityrannus hazelae, the “Coyote Tyrant.” This small tyrannosaur lived during the Late Cretaceous, before the later giants like T. rex. You might notice feather-like features in this reconstruction...but did Suskityrannus actually have feathers? It’s something scientists are still trying to figure out.

Celebrate Mesa is tomorrow from 10 AM to 2 PM at Pioneer Park! AZMNH is proud to be part of this incredible community. Join us at this free, family-friendly event featuring live entertainment, food vendors, local organizations, and activities for all ages. Stop by our booth, we’ll have the MEAD Machine and hands-on experiences to explore! Learn more: my.mesaaz.gov/3NURaWt

A rare hadrosaur fossil from Arizona’s Fort Crittenden Formation is helping us better understand the region’s ancient past. At the WAVP conference, AZMNH Curator of Natural History Gavin McCullough shared new findings about a partial upper jaw (maxilla), Arizona’s first reported hadrosaur maxilla, offering new clues about the dinosaurs that lived here over 76 million years ago. Each discovery helps us piece together Arizona’s prehistoric ecosystems.

At AZMNH, we invite you to explore the museum hands-on! From fossils to puzzles to gold panning, there are so many ways to explore and interact throughout the museum. We’re also proud to be a Certified Autism Center, with accessibility resources available to help make your visit comfortable. Plan your visit and learn more: my.mesaaz.gov/41M8C2p

There’s still time to support AZMNH this Arizona Gives Day! Your donation helps us continue connecting our community with science, history, and discovery. Every contribution helps keep curiosity alive for the next generation of explorers. Make your gift before the day ends: my.mesaaz.gov/4rMo5uP

Can you spot the “cave bacon”? These ribbon-like formations are created when mineral-rich water slowly deposits calcite along sloped surfaces, building delicate layers over time. Caves may seem still and silent, but they’re constantly changing. With over 150 explored caves, Arizona’s underground world is full of secrets.

A little light paleontological reading for your weekend. Dinosaurs with a small adult size are rare. Many tiny mammals exist, such as little moles, shrews, and even tiny monkeys. Little dinosaurs, not as many. So when a crow-sized dinosaur is discovered, it's news! One small dinosaur you will find here at AZMNH is Fruitadens (pictured). It was about two feet long and is considered one of the smallest bird-hipped dinosaurs. my.mesaaz.gov/47fBp2T

Have family visiting this weekend? Come spend the day exploring with us at the Arizona Museum of Natural History! We’re open and ready for your next adventure.