EUGENE, Ore. -- (May 12, 2009) - The UO Museum of Natural and Cultural History will host a free open house for those interested in volunteering from 4 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, at the museum, 1680 E. 15th Ave.

Museum staff and volunteers will discuss the opportunities and benefits of service and provide tours of the museum exhibits. Volunteers lead school and community tours, staff the museum store, assist at special events and answer questions about the exhibit hall.

"This summer is an exciting time at the museum with the opening of new exhibits and programs that will feature music, dance and instruments from around the globe," said Ann Craig, the museum's assistant director of education. "Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn about these themes in training sessions that will combine hands-on learning, lectures and discussions."

Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. 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, university faculty and staff and students are admitted free. Admission is free for the public on Wednesdays.

About the University of Oregon
The University of Oregon is a world-class teaching and research institution and Oregon's flagship public university. The UO is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), an organization made up of the 62 leading public and private research institutions in the United States and Canada. The University of Oregon is one of only two AAU members in the Pacific Northwest.

Contact: Ann Craig, 541-346-3116, acraig@uoregon.edu

Link: Museum of Natural and Cultural History, http://www.uoregon.edu/~mnh/

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