How SCFD Funding Helps The Museum

• Space Odyssey (2003)
• Digital Gates Planetarium (2003)
• Wildlife Halls expanded and improved (through 2002) 
• North American Indian Cultures Hall (completely updated in 2002)
• Prehistoric Journey (1995)
• Coors Gem & Mineral Hall (renovated in 1990)
• Hall of Life (1989)
• Way-finding signage throughout the building

World-Class Traveling Exhibitions

SCFD funding helps bring the world to Denver, contributing to the sponsorship of two to three major traveling exhibitions per year at the Museum. The exhibitions give our community an important chance to experience history, appreciate cultural diversity, and see rare and authentic artifacts. These exhibitions also attract tourists to Colorado. Exhibitions supported by SCFD include:

• The Quest for Immortality: Treasures of Ancient Egypt (2004–2005)
• Machu Picchu: Unveiling the Mystery of the Incas (2004)
• Discovering Chimpanzees: The Remarkable World of Jane Goodall (2003)
• Vikings: The North Atlantic Saga (2001)
• Remember the Children: Daniel's Story (1999)
• Whodunit? (1998)
• Imperial Tombs of China (1996)
• Sharks (1992)
• AZTEC (1991)
• Destination Dinosaurs (1990)
• Nomads (1989)

Outreach to Diverse Audiences and Partnerships with Our Schools

Studies show that museum visits and cultural activities enrich the lives of young people. These experiences improve their knowledge of the world and the universe and may influence their future careers. As they mature, those who have enjoyed museum visits are likely to surround future generations with a passion for learning about science, history, and art. SCFD funding helps the Museum change lives by reaching young people, diverse audiences, and those who may not be able to afford the regular price of admission.

Offerings include:

• Free Days for Colorado residents
• Critical partnerships with teachers, schools, and other cultural organizations
• Traveling science programs at school assemblies, community fairs, festivals, and senior centers
  

More than 2.5 million people have been served by the Museum's community and school outreach programs since 1989.

Collections & Research

SCFD funding helps scientists acquire, study, and preserve fossils, minerals, images from space, zoology specimens, and cultural artifacts. Thanks to SCFD funding, the Museum has been able to acquire significant objects, such as the first T. rex fossils from the Denver metro area, leaves from an ancient Colorado rainforest near Castle Rock, mammoth fossils, new Colorado meteorites, exquisite mineral specimens, genetic samples from Colorado wildlife, and more.

In addition, the Museum also has been able to computerize its collection records and perform important research on topics related to Native American culture, Colorado history, the extinction of the dinosaurs, the Ice Age, meteorites, and Colorado plants and animals. This ultimately helps Coloradans and tourists learn more about the world around them, past and present.