American Museum of Natural History Celebrates Earth Day in March for Science NYC, 4/22

Scientists and staff from the American Museum of Natural History will celebrate Earth Day and welcome participants in the March for Science NYC to the front steps of the Museum for coffee and doughnuts before the March, at 9 am on Saturday, April 22.

This Earth Day kick-off takes place as science supporters, including Museum staff and scientists, in New York City, Washington DC, and throughout the country gather for marches, community events, and educational activities that champion the vital role that science plays in society and in our individual lives. The Museum supports these nonpartisan efforts to raise awareness of the importance of scientific research and of the public understanding of science.

"Fostering an understanding of the scientific process-observation, inquiry, gathering of evidence, rigorous analysis-and helping people develop the tools and habits of mind fundamental to it have been part of the Museum's mission since its founding in 1869," said Ellen V. Futter, President. "As we confront issues from climate change to human health, scientific research and science literacy have never been more important for individuals, communities, and policymakers. The public-private partnership that has supported science in this country for decades has served both our nation and science well, providing critical support for U.S. leadership in science and concomitant benefits to our economy, security, democratic process, health, and quality of life."

In furtherance of its mission, the American Museum of Natural History is launching a series of data-driven graphics to be displayed onsite and made available on the Museum's digital channels. Premiering on Friday, April 21, the first three-minute video highlights changes in Earth's environments since the first Earth Day 47 years ago and is based on data from, among others, publicly funded federal agencies such as National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

"Through tens of thousands of expeditions, our scientists have amassed one of the world's great collections, which reveals the workings and the wonder of the universe, Earth, life, and human cultures," said Michael J. Novacek, Senior Vice President and Provost for Science at the Museum. "Our work depends on the scientific infrastructure and support that has been the long-standing commitment of our nation. We join others in celebrating and advocating the recognition of science as essential to a thriving and civilized world."

The Museum's Earth Day programming includes:

• Friday, April 21: Earth Day Celebration, a special event in the Hayden Planetarium sphere. Using OpenSpace, a new NASA-funded real-time visualization platform co-developed by the Museum, this program will offer a unique, immersive view of how scientists use satellite instruments and computer models to monitor global change.
• Saturday, April 22, 9 am: Coffee and doughnuts on Museum steps for the first 1,000 March for Science participants. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP.
• Saturday, April 22, 10 am-5 pm: Highlights tours of the Museum, tailored to stories about conservation.
• Saturday, April 22: 10 am-5 pm: screenings of the documentary series Saving MyTomorrow, presented by HBO and the American Museum of Natural History and featuring Museum scientists and students from the Museum's Science and Nature program, in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life.
• A special Earth Day selection in the Museum's way-finding app, Explorer.

For details, visit http://www.amnh.org/calendar/earth-day-at-the-museum