Events

Events

Below is a listing of Human Origins Initiative events. Find details about event location, time, and cost (if any) by clicking on that particular event.

We will be updating this event listing at least every three months: in March, June, September, and December.

We currently have 3 regularly scheduled events every month. Please check the schedule of individual events to see how holidays may impact these events. These regularly scheduled events will be enhanced by lectures, panel discussions, and other public events.

THE SCIENTIST IS IN: Thursdays, bi-weekly (usually the 1st week of the month from 1-3pm, and the 3rd week of the month from 11am-1pm)

HOT (Human Origins Today) TOPICS: Fridays, monthly, 3-4pm (usually the last or second-to-last Friday of the month; alternating between science and science/religion discussions)

Current

February 16, 2012 - 11:00am - 1:00pm

Dr. Rolf Quam of Binghamton University will be on hand with touchable objects to answer questions and talk about his research.

February 24, 2012 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm

The Smithsonian's own Dr. Matt Tocheri talks about that enigmatic early human species, Homo floresiensis, nicknamed 'Hobbits'.

March 1, 2012 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Caitlin Schrein of the Smithsonian's Human Origins Program will be on hand with touchable objects to answer questions and talk about her research.

March 15, 2012 - 11:00am - 1:00pm

Dr. Briana Pobiner from the Smithsonian's Human Origins Program will be on hand with touchable objects to answer questions and talk about her research.

March 30, 2012 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Informal discussion led by Dr. Connie Bertka of the Human Origins Program's Broader Social Impacts Committee and Dr. Daryl Domning of Howard University.

Past

March 18, 2010 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Come meet three human origins scientists - from the Musée de l'Homme in Paris and the Smithsonian's Human Origins Program. 

March 21, 2010 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm

The Smithsonian's Human Origins Initiative invites its Broader Social Impacts Committee for a panel discussion.

March 25, 2010 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Chat live with one of the Smithsonian's Human Origins Program scientists online!

March 31, 2010 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm

Panel discussion on the National Research Council's report entitled "Understanding Climate's Influence on Human Evolution".

March 31, 2010 - 3:00pm - 5:00pm

Dr. Rick Potts, co-author of the exhibition companion book "What Does It Mean to Be Human?", will participate in a Q&A and sign books.

April 1, 2010 - 10:00am - 12:00pm

Come meet a scientist from the Smithsonian's Human Origins Program and talk to them about their research!

April 5, 2010 - 6:45pm - 9:00pm

In illustrated presentations, Dr. Nicholas Conard addresses the question of why figurative art and music began.

April 8, 2010 - 10:00am - 12:00pm

Chat live with one of the Smithsonian's Human Origins Program scientists online!

April 15, 2010 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Come meet a scientist from the Smithsonian's Human Origins Program and talk to them about their research!

April 22, 2010 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Chat live with one of the Smithsonian's Human Origins Program scientists online!

April 29, 2010 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Chat live with one of the Smithsonian's Human Origins Program scientists online!

April 30, 2010 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm

HOT (Human Origins Today) Topic: Dr. Matt Tocheri (Smithsonian Institution) talks about 'Hobbits'.

May 6, 2010 - 10:00am - 12:00pm

Come meet two visiting human origins scientists and talk to them about their research!

May 6, 2010 - 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Lecture "Where Has Science Come From? Investigating Some Ancient Roots of Intelligence and Technology in the Fossil Record".

May 13, 2010 - 10:00am - 12:00pm

Chat live with one of the Smithsonian's Human Origins Program scientists online!

May 18, 2010 - 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Hear from some of the key people involved: Dr. Rick Potts (curator), Dr. Michael Mason (Exhibits), Sharon Barry (writer), and Linda McNamara (Reich + Petch design).

May 20, 2010 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Come meet Dr. Rick Potts, curator of the Hall of Human Origins!

May 27, 2010 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Chat live with one of the Smithsonian's Human Origins Program scientists online!

May 28, 2010 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Dialogue on the relationship between scientific and religious perspectives in light of the latest research on human evolution.

June 3, 2010 - 10:00am - 12:00pm

Dr. Paul Constantino from George Washington University will be on hand to answer questions and talk about his research in human origins.

June 17, 2010 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Dr. Robin Teague, a Post-Doctoral Fellow in the Smithsonian's Human Origins Program, will be on hand to answer questions and talk about her research in human origins.

June 24, 2010 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Chat with one of the Smithsonian's Human Origins Program scientists online, live, from Kenya!

June 25, 2010 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Australopithecus sediba - where does it fit into our family tree?

July 1, 2010 - 10:00am - 12:00pm

Dr. Chet Sherwood from George Washington University will be on hand to answer questions and talk about his research in human origins.

July 8, 2010 - 10:00am - 12:00pm

Chat with Smithsonian's Human Origins Program scientists online, live, from our field site at Olorgesailie, Kenya!

July 15, 2010 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Dr. Chet Sherwood from George Washington University will be on hand to answer questions and talk about his research in human origins.

July 22, 2010 - 10:00am - 11:00am

Chat with Smithsonian's Human Origins Program scientists online, live, from our field site at Olorgesailie, Kenya!

July 22, 2010 - 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Chat with Smithsonian's Human Origins Program scientists online, live, from our field site at Olorgesailie, Kenya!

July 30, 2010 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Dialogue on the relationship between scientific and religious perspectives in light of the latest research on human evolution.

August 2, 2010 - 10:00am - 11:30am

A unique opportunity to get an inside look at Smithsonian human origins scientists at work as they excavate in Kenya.

August 5, 2010 - 10:00am - 12:00pm

Dr. Paul Constantino from George Washington University will be on hand to answer questions and talk about his research in human origins.

August 12, 2010 - 10:00am - 12:00pm

Chat with Smithsonian's Human Origins Program scientists online, live, from our field site at Olorgesailie, Kenya!

August 19, 2010 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Dr. Robin Teague, a Post-Doctoral Fellow in the Smithsonian's Human Origins Program, will be on hand to answer questions and talk about her research in human origins.

August 27, 2010 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Smithsonian archaeologist Torben Rick will discuss human interactions with and impacts on ancient marine ecosystems.
September 2, 2010 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Dr. Robin Teague, a Post-Doctoral Fellow in the Smithsonian's Human Origins Program, will be on hand to answer questions and talk about her research in human origins.

September 9, 2010 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Tweet with Smithsonian human origins scientists, online, live!

September 16, 2010 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Dr. Muhammad Spocter, a postdoctoral fellow in the Laboratory for Evolutionary Neuronatomy at GWU, will be on hand to answer questions and talk about his research.

September 23, 2010 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Tweet with Smithsonian human origins scientists, online, live!

September 24, 2010 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Dialogue on the relationship between scientific and religious perspectives in light of the latest research on human evolution.

September 30, 2010 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Tweet with Smithsonian human origins scientists, online, live!

October 7, 2010 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Dr. Matt Tocheri will be on hand with touchable objects to answer questions and talk about his research.

October 14, 2010 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Dr. Lars Werdelin from the Swedish Museum of Natural History will be on hand to answer questions and talk about his research.

October 21, 2010 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Tweet with Smithsonian human origins scientists, online, live!

October 28, 2010 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Tweet with Smithsonian human origins scientists, online, live!

October 29, 2010 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Informal discussion about early human footprints led by Dr. Brian Richmond of George Washington University.

November 4, 2010 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Dr. Muhammad Spocter, a postdoctoral fellow in the Laboratory for Evolutionary Neuronatomy at GWU, will be on hand to answer questions and talk about his research.

November 6, 2010 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Ever wanted to know what really happens on an archaeological dig? This talk with take you "behind the scenes" of a current Smithsonian excavation!

November 11, 2010 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Tweet with Smithsonian human origins scientists, online, live!

November 18, 2010 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Dr. David Green from George Washington University will be on hand with touchable objects to answer questions and talk about his research.

November 19, 2010 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Dialogue on the relationship between scientific and religious perspectives in light of the latest research on human evolution.

November 27, 2010 - 3:00pm - 4:45pm

Join us for an illustrated lecture by Dr. Rick Potts, curator of the Hall of Human Origins, as he discusses the latest scientific findings in human origins.

December 2, 2010 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Dr. Briana Pobiner from the Smithsonian's Human Origins Program will be on hand with touchable objects to answer questions and talk about her research.

December 9, 2010 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Tweet with Smithsonian human origins scientists, online, live!

December 16, 2010 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Dr. Alison Brooks from George Washington University will be on hand with touchable objects to answer questions and talk about her research.

December 17, 2010 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Informal discussion about investigating how early humans died by Dr. Kay Behrensmeyer, Paleobiology Department, Smithsonian Institution.

January 6, 2011 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Dr. Robin Teague from the Smithsonian's Human Origins Program will be on hand with touchable objects to answer questions and talk about her research.

January 20, 2011 - 11:00am - 1:00pm

Dr. John Yellen from the National Science Foundation will be on hand with touchable objects to answer questions and talk about his research.

January 28, 2011 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Dialogue on the relationship between scientific and religious perspectives on human evolution.

February 3, 2011 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Dr. Erin Vogel from George Washington University will be on hand with touchable objects to answer questions and talk about her research.

February 17, 2011 - 11:00am - 1:00pm

Dr. Betul Kacar Arslan from Georgia Institute of Technology will be on hand with touchable objects to answer questions and talk about her research.

February 25, 2011 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Old school to new school: recreating artifacts using traditional methods to modern technology

March 3, 2011 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Dr. Muhammad Spocter from George Washington University will be on hand to answer questions and talk about his research.

March 14, 2011 - 6:45pm - 8:15pm

Paleoartists John Gurche and Karen Carr share the science and techniques behind their work, followed by a discussion with exhibit curator Dr. Rick Potts

March 17, 2011 - 11:00am - 1:00pm

Dr. Rick Potts, curator of the Hall of Human Origins, will be on hand with touchable objects to answer questions and talk about his research.

March 25, 2011 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Dialogue on the relationship between scientific and religious perspectives on human evolution.

March 28, 2011 - 3:00pm - 5:00pm

I came from where? Approaching the science of human origins from religious perspectives

April 7, 2011 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Dr. Matt Tocheri from the Smithsonian's Human Origins Program will be on hand with touchable objects to answer questions and talk about his research.

April 21, 2011 - 11:00am - 1:00pm

Dr. Robin Bernstein from George Washington University will be on hand with touchable objects to answer questions and talk about her research.

April 22, 2011 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm

History, conservation and display of the only fossil Neanderthal skeleton in North America

May 5, 2011 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Dr. Briana Pobiner from the Smithsonian's Human Origins Program will be on hand with touchable objects to answer questions and talk about her research.

May 19, 2011 - 11:00am - 1:00pm

Dr. David Green from the George Washington University will be on hand with touchable objects to answer questions and talk about his research.

May 20, 2011 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Dialogue on the relationship between scientific and religious perspectives on human evolution.

June 2, 2011 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Dr. John Yellen from the National Science Foundation will be on hand with touchable objects to answer questions and talk about his research.

June 16, 2011 - 11:00am - 1:00pm

Dr. Muhammad Spocter from George Washington University will be on hand with touchable objects to answer questions and talk about his research.

June 24, 2011 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Dr. Muhammad Spocter from the George Washington University will lead an informal discussion on what the chimpanzee brain tells us about the evolution of human language.

July 7, 2011 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Dr. Robin Teague from the Smithsonian's Human Origins Program will be on hand with touchable objects to answer questions and talk about her research.

July 21, 2011 - 11:00am - 1:00pm

Dr. Robin Teague from the Smithsonian's Human Origins Program will be on hand with touchable objects to answer questions and talk about her research.

July 29, 2011 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Dialogue on the relationship between scientific and religious perspectives on human evolution.

August 4, 2011 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Dr. Robin Teague from the Smithsonian's Human Origins Program will be on hand with touchable objects to answer questions and talk about her research.

August 18, 2011 - 11:00am - 1:00pm

Dr. Erin Marie Williams from the George Washington University will be on hand with touchable objects to answer questions and talk about her research.

August 19, 2011 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Kevin Hatala from the George Washington University will lead an informal discussion about new discoveries of fossil human footprints.

September 1, 2011 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Dr. Briana Pobiner from the Smithsonian's Human Origins Program will be on hand with touchable objects to answer questions and talk about her research.

September 15, 2011 - 11:00am - 1:00pm

Kes Schroer from the George Washington University will be on hand with touchable objects to answer questions and talk about her research.

September 23, 2011 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Dialogue on the relationship between scientific and religious perspectives on human evolution.

October 6, 2011 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Kevin Hatala from the George Washington University will be on hand with touchable objects to answer questions and talk about his research.

October 20, 2011 - 11:00am - 1:00pm

Dr. John Yellen from the National Science Foundation will be on hand with touchable objects to answer questions and talk about his research.

October 28, 2011 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Felicia Gomez and Dr. Jibril Hirbo from the Univ. of Pennsylvania will lead an informal discussion on human genetic variation: implications for disease, adaptation, and race.

November 3, 2011 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Dr. Chet Sherwood from George Washington University will be on hand to answer questions and talk about his research in human origins.

November 17, 2011 - 11:00am - 1:00pm

Dr. Robin Bernstein from the George Washington University will be on hand with touchable objects to answer questions and talk about her research.

November 18, 2011 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Dialogue on the relationship between scientific and religious perspectives on human evolution.

December 1, 2011 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Dr. Brian Villmoare from George Washington University will be on hand to answer questions and talk about his research in human origins.

December 10, 2011 - 12:00pm - 1:30pm

Dr. Rick Potts will deliver a public lecture on the challenges of becoming human: evolution in an era of dramatic climate change.

December 15, 2011 - 11:00am - 1:00pm

Dr. Janet Monge from the University of Pennsylvania will be on hand to answer questions and talk about her research in human origins.

December 16, 2011 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Dr. Janet Monge of the University of Pennsylvania will lead an informal discussion on skeletal indicators of human variation and race.

January 5, 2012 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Dr. Rick Potts, curator of the Hall of Human Origins, will be on hand with touchable objects to answer questions and talk about his research.

January 19, 2012 - 11:00am - 1:00pm

Dr. Emily Goble of the Smithsonian's Human Origins Program will be on hand with touchable objects to answer questions and talk about her research.

January 27, 2012 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Dialogue on the relationship between scientific and religious perspectives on human evolution.

February 2, 2012 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Dr. Robin Teague of the Smithsonian's Human Origins Program will be on hand with touchable objects to answer questions and talk about her research.