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June 28, 2013

ULM's Museum of Natural History settles into new home

The Museum of Natural History at the University of Louisiana at Monroe has a new home on the first floor of Hanna Hall.

Ninety-five percent of the public displays have made the move from Sandel Hall, with the remaining research collections stored in Brown Stadium.

The Brown Stadium collections are currently not open to the public, but are open to researchers by appointment.

ULM President Dr. Nick J. Bruno said, “I think this new space signifies ULM’s commitment to promote the museum’s contributions to this university, the community, and the region.”

ULM Museum Director and Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Thomas Sasek appreciates the central location of the museum.

He said, “The location of the museum is one of the highlights for us…The space has been renovated beautifully. The architects really thought out how the space could function for public displays, including a large window to see into the museum from the hallway.”

There are plans to expand the museum to include the museum’s research collections, laboratory classrooms, offices, and new educational exhibits.

The museum aims to promote and advance an understanding and appreciation of all aspects of history through its collections, exhibits, education, and research.

The museum was established in 1962 with the development of the research collections by Dr. Neil Douglas and Dr. R. Dale Thomas.

The museum opened its doors to the public in 1999.

In 2011, Louisiana Secretary of State Tom Schedler inducted the museum into the Heroes and Heritage Trail, which highlights 17 Louisiana museums, including the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in Monroe and the Eddie G. Robinson Museum in Grambling.

The museum will be open during the summer from 10 a.m. to
4 p.m., Monday-Thursday, and 10 a.m. to noon on Friday.

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