Opening the Archives: The Story of the Worcester Natural History Society Told Through Artifacts

Opening the Archives: The Story of the Worcester Natural History Society Told Through Artifacts
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm 

Location: American Antiquarian Society, 185 Salisbury St, Worcester, MA 01609
Cost: This event is open to the public and FREE — pre-registration is required!
Important Details: 

• Parking: Parking lot is located at 90 Park Ave, Worcester, MA, in case parking is not available on street.
• Bags: Please do not bring bags into the building. If you do bring a bag, lockers are available for storage.

In celebration of our organization’s beginning, the EcoTarium/Worcester Natural History Society is offering four lyceum sessions to bring the community together for lectures and discussions throughout our 200th anniversary year.

On Wednesday, October 29th, the EcoTarium will present our third 200th anniversary lyceum at the American Antiquarian Society in Worcester.

At this lyceum, you can experience history up close! View the objects that tell the story of the Worcester Natural History Society, followed by presentations from our guest speakers and a Q & A session.

This event is free to attend but requires registration!

Reserve Your Spot

Agenda:

• 5:00 – 5:20 pm – View displayed artifacts about the Worcester Natural History Society from 1825 – 1950
• 5:20 – 5:50 pm – Guest Speakers
  • Welcome – American Antiquarian Society
  • Melinda Marchand, PhD – Professor of History, Clark University – What do the Mass Audubon Society, the Forbush Birding Club and the Worcester Natural History Society have in common?
  • Martin Christiansen – Collections Management Specialist, EcoTarium – What was science and nature education like in the early 20th century?
  • Noreen Smith – President & CEO, EcoTarium – Explore the rich history of one of the first summer camps in the country, located on the shores of Lake Quinsigamond.
• 5:50 – 6:00 pm – Q & A Session