American Museum of Natural History Celebrates Identification Day, 5/22

This year, the popular Identification Day at the American Museum of Natural History is being held on May 22 to celebrate the International Day of Biodiversity.  In addition to identifying shells, rocks, insects, feathers, bones, and artifacts brought by visitors, the day will also feature presentations from Museum scientists highlighting the importance of biodiversity.  Entomologist Louis Sorkin will discuss and display many of the insects and arachnids housed at the Museum, ornithologist Paul Sweet will speak about why continuing to collect specimens is crucial to our understanding of avian biodiversity, and ichthyologist Radford Arrindell will discuss documenting fish biodiversity.

Bring your shells, rocks, insects, feathers, bones, and artifacts to the annual Identification Day! Museum scientists will attempt to identify your mysterious garage sale finds, basement curios, exotic souvenirs, and flea-market discoveries. In celebration of the International Year of Biodiversity, artifacts and specimens from the Museum's collections will be on display in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation.

 The United Nations designated May 22 as the International Day of Biodiversity, celebrated around the world to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.  The event takes place from 12:30-3:30PM in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, and is free with Museum admission

 For more information, visit: http://www.amnh.org/programs/programs.php?date=2010-05-22&event_id=1683

 The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world's preeminent scientific and cultural institutions. Since its founding in 1869, the Museum has advanced its global mission to discover, interpret and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education and exhibition.

The Museum is renowned for its exhibitions and scientific collections, which serve as a field guide to the entire planet and present a panorama of the world's cultures.