MCC’s Hall of Human Origins -An Evening of Science, Discovery and Innovation

Friday, November 8, 2024, 5:00 – 8:30 pm

This special event will unveil the much-anticipated Hall of Human Origins at MCC. The evening will also include talks from world-renowned experts in anthropology and human evolution. Join us for an exciting blend of science, art, and technology as we reflect on our place in the universe and what it means to be human.

Free (Reservations are required to attend)

Event Details

5:00–5:30 p.m.

Reception/Meet & Greet, Hors d’oeuvres & Beverages, MCC Commons, Building B

5:30–6:30 p.m.

Welcome Luecht Auditorium

Keynote, John Gurche: Art Fuels Science Fuels Art, Luecht Auditorium

6:30–6:45 p.m.

Refreshment Break

6:45–7:15 p.m.

Presentation, Dr. John Hawks: Homo naledi: A Journey into the Dark, Luecht Auditorium

7:30-8:30 p.m.

Unveiling of MCC’s Hall of Human Origins, Desserts & Drinks, Liebman Science Center, Building F

Exhibitions, Tours, and Special Features

Keynote Speakers

• John Gurche, Artist in Residence, Museum of the Earth, Cornell University

Art Fuels Science Fuels Art (5:30 p.m.)

• Dr. John Hawks, PhD, UW-Madison Anthropologist Homo naledi: A Journey into the Dark

(6:45 p.m.)

Exhibit Opening : MCC Hall of Human Origins (7:30 p.m.)

• Explore our new museum-quality exhibit, featuring replica hominin skulls

by BoneClones, Inc. and reconstructions by renowned paleo artist John Gurche.

Special Guest: Jill E. Scott

• Meet Jill Scott, MCC alumnus and anthropologist who was part of the team who described Homo naledi to science.

Interactive Opportunities

• Engage with preeminent scientists and experience the planetarium show “Lucy’s Cradle.”

• Learn about the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry @ MCC partnership.

Special Features

• Novelty event-themed gifts engineered and manufactured by our Foglia Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation and the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.

• Receive a complimentary ticket to a future live planetarium show including our grand reopening in February, featuring a state-of-the-art projection system.

Please contact Marla Garrison with any questions, mgarrison@mchenry.edu or (815) 479-7782