The Bison Are Coming

The larger-than-life bronze bison statues created by Nebraska artist Gary Staab are visiting Morrill Hall on their way to the Smithsonian. Join UNSM educators, Smithsonian staff, and community partners for a day of hands-on activities celebrating our national mammal. Visitors will also learn about the statues' creation and can explore Morrill Hall's temporary exhibit "Bison." All activities are included with admission, and all admission discounts including senior, veteran, and Museums for All (Free with WIC/SNAP/EBT) are valid for this event. Parking is free in the main lot outside Morrill Hall.
• The Bison Are Here: See three larger than life bronze statues created by Nebraska artist Gary Staab parked in front of Morrill Hall. The statues were commissioned by the Smithsonian, are modeled on bison originally from Nebraska, and are on their way to the National Mall.
• We are the Buffalo and the Buffalo Are Us: Discover the incredible relationship between Tribal Nations and bison. Activity led by Renee Sans Souci, Educator and Cultural Consultant of the Omaha Tribe.
• Remember the Way: Discover how puppetry can connect us to Bison and our environment. Puppet show at 1:00 pm with Heather Henson, puppeteer and daughter of Jim Henson. She will host a table and meet with the public/share her puppets after the show.
• Bison: Explore Morrill Hall’s temporary exhibit, which tells the story of this quintessentially North American animal and the Native American tribes who depended on it. The exhibition illuminates the past, present and vibrant future of bison on the continent and invites visitors of all ages to explore the significance of bison in the cultures of Plains Indian Peoples — particularly as a resource for food, clothing, shelter and tools. The exhibition is presented by Kauffman Museum of North Newton, Kansas, on behalf of the National Buffalo Foundation.
• Millions to Some: What happened to the bison population once settlers arrived? Discuss how bison numbers dwindled from millions to just over 500 animals and what discover what factors caused the sudden decline.
• All in the Family: Have bison always been the same? Explore the fossilized horn cores from ancient bison and compare them to the bone cores of their modern day counterparts
• Insulation Investigation: Temperatures can be extreme on the plains. What adaptations have bison developed to help them survive harsh cold?
• Grasslands for Grazers: Learn about the grassland ecology that sustain bison with UNL Grasslands Studies students.
• Bison Biology & Ecology: Why were bison so successful for 10,000 years? Discover what adaptations equipped bison for surviving the plains for thousands of years.
• Home on the Range: See firsthand the different adaptations Bison have to survive life on the plains with Pioneer’s Park staff.
• Tracks & Trails: Use a mold of an actual bison hoof to create your own bison track!