EUGENE, Ore. -- (May 3, 2011) -- The UO Museum of Natural and Cultural History will partner with scientists and other specialists to identify objects and personal treasures from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, at the museum, 1680 E. 15th Ave.

The cost of admission is $3 for an individual, $8 for a family, and free for MNCH members.

At Identification Day community members are invited to bring in unknown items for examination or to bring their favorite treasures for "show and tell." Museum specialists will have their favorite fossils, rocks, bones, artifacts and baskets on display to show visitors. Throughout the event a variety of demonstrations on basket weaving, beading and flint knapping will also be offered.

"This year the program has been revamped to create more dialogue among visitors and scientists," said Ann Craig, assistant director of education. "We hope this format will offer more opportunities to learn about the history and science of our area. Everyone has objects that tell important stories - not just museums."

Specialists have helped piece together the stories of hundreds of objects over the years: historic beer mugs found at garage sales, mysterious fossils uncovered in back yards, and baskets handed down for generations.

The UO Museum of Natural and Cultural History is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and youths ages 17 and under, and $8 for families (two adults and up to four youths). Museum members are admitted free. Guided tours are offered each Friday at 1:00 pm.

Contact: Judi Pruitt, assistant director of visitor services, judip@uoregon.edu, 541-346-1671

Links: Museum of Natural and Cultural History, natural-history.uoregon.edu and Facebook.com/oregonnaturalhistory

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