EUGENE, Ore. -- (April 17, 2009) -- The University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History will host the 20th annual Identification Day on Saturday, May 9, from 1-4 p.m. The museum invites community members to learn more about, share and exhibit some of their most prized possessions. Specialists from archaeology, geology, paleontology, textiles, basketry and antiques will be available to discuss treasures and provide details beyond family lore.

All items are welcome including grandmother's wedding dress, a basket purchased years ago, or bones found on a hike. Experts will try to determine the age, use and origin of objects. One mystery that won't be solved, however, is the value of the items. No appraisals will be provided at the event.

Visitors will also be able to see current exhibits, including "Seeing Time" and "A Myriad of Wild Flowers," and visit the museum store, Past and Presents.

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. Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. 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.

Museum Contact: Judi Pruitt, 541-346-1671, judip@uoregon.edu

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

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