Lecture Series Press Release

November 21, 2022 – Burpee Museum Hosts Natural History Lecture Series

ROCKFORD – Burpee Museum began a new Natural History Lecture Series in September of 2022 that highlights research projects and fossil discoveries occurring at and outside the museum, as well as natural history featured in exhibits. Lectures are given by staff members who are specialists in their field!

Topics vary from fossil discovery, entomology, PaleoArt, animal behavior, research, and more! All lectures will feature a question and answer session at the end for guests to discuss the topic with Burpee Educators in-depth. Each lecture also includes unique features, such as fossils, taxidermy, and scientific discoveries, that are rarely seen by the public!

‘An exciting opportunity for the Rockford community and abroad’

“These lectures provide an exciting opportunity for the Rockford community and abroad to learn about the behind-the-scenes action that takes place in developing research in the fields of paleontology, entomology, and biological sciences!” said Stew Cook, Burpee Educator, who hosted a lecture on his undergraduate research in October on amber from the Hell Creek Formation.

“It has been a great opportunity to discuss and introduce people to my own research. It’s not very often for people to have a platform to discuss scientific research in an accessible way, and this lecture series is an awesome way to involve the community and introduce them to science!”

Burpee Museum’s next lecture is Monday, November 21, where Executive Director Anne Weerda will discuss how animal behavior data is measured and collected for scientific research. Future lectures are scheduled to be given by Educator Ryan Dewey on PaleoArt on Wednesday, December 21, 2022.

Lectures are scheduled once a month and are held from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. In-person and virtual options are available. All lectures are recorded and uploaded to Burpee Museum’s YouTube channel approximately one month after the scheduled lecture.

To learn more information and to sign up for upcoming lectures, visit:

Media Contact: Mackenzie Seymour, Marketing Coordinator (mackenzie.seymour@burpee.org)