Saint Paul School of Theology to Host Exhibit on Human Origins
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History traveling exhibit is open from February 4 to May 14, 2025.
Leawood, KS — Saint Paul School of Theology will host the traveling exhibit “Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human?” after the seminary was selected through a national competition offered by the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) and the American Library Association (ALA).
“Saint Paul is very excited to be one of just six theological seminaries in the country to be selected to host this unique and fascinating exhibit,” said seminary Exhibit Coordinator Dr. Nancy Howell. “No one will want to miss seeing the seminary transformed into a science museum, and we have an impressive line-up of programs planned, with offerings for students, clergy, teachers, and other adults. Visitors of all ages are invited to tour the exhibit, and the seminary welcomes school groups. We hope everyone will join us in a conversation about what it means to be human.”
In addition, scientists and other experts from the NMNH Human Origins Program will visit the Saint Paul Kansas Campus to host events on campus and online for the community, including a science program, educator workshop, community conversations, clergy tour, and more. To register for events, visit spst.edu/special-events/.
Through panels, interactive kiosks, hands-on displays, and videos, “Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human?” invites viewers of all ages to explore and learn about the milestones in the evolutionary journey of becoming human. The traveling exhibit encourages a public conversation that invites multiple perspectives on what it means to be human — one that embraces the ideas and beliefs of non-scientists and fosters a greater appreciation of the complexity of the science of human evolution.
The exhibit will open at Saint Paul School of Theology on February 4, 2025, and close on May 14, 2025.
Saint Paul School of Theology Kansas Campus is located at 13720 Roe Ave, Building C, Leawood, KS 66224. The exhibit is free and open to the public daily – please visit the website for exhibit hours. We are happy to offer group tours to schools, churches, and other interested parties. Please get in touch with Dr. Nancy Howell () to schedule your group’s visit. For more information on exhibit hours and a schedule of events, visit spst.edu/special-events/ or call 913-253-5000.
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Exploring Human Origins: Promoting a National Conversation on Human Evolution is administered by ALA’s Public Programs Office in collaboration with the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History’s (NMNH) Human Origins Program.