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Solstice celebration at UO museum brings together many traditions
Annual Museum of Natural and Cultural History celebration commemorates the season
EUGENE, Ore. -- (Dec. 4, 2007) -- The University of Oregon's Museum of Natural and Cultural History will celebrate the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year, Friday, Dec. 14.
The Winter Solstice Celebration will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the museum, 1680 E. 15th Ave. Admission is $3 per person and $5 for families (two adults and up to four youths). Museum members are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door.
The Winter Solstice, which will take place this year on Dec. 22 at 6:22 a.m., occurs when the earth is farthest from the sun.
Celebration activities include creating a winter wand to awaken sleeping plants in the springtime, making a lantern to light up the dark months, exploring the night sky through a telescope, and discovering the wonders of the universe with celestial photographer John Flinn’s slide presentation, The Northern Lights -- Bridge Between New Worlds.
Melodies by flutist Karen Stingle will entertain participants as they walk along an illuminated path to the Many Nations Longhouse where storyteller Esther Stutzman will recite Coos and Komemma Kalapuya lore. The story telling will be followed by a performance by a group of Asian fan dancers.
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 62 of the leading public and private research institutions in the United States and Canada. Membership in the AAU is by invitation only. The University of Oregon is one of only two AAU members in the Pacific Northwest.
Media Relations Contact: Pauline Austin, 541-346-3129, paustin@uoregon.edu
Museum Contact: Judi Pruitt, 541-346-1671, judip@uoregon.edu