Jetsettersblog

Announces 2009 Educational Travel Opportunities

For more than 130 years, the American Museum of Natural History has launched thousands of scientific expeditions across the seven continents, mapping the origin and progression of life on this planet and exploring the richness and the variety of world cultures. In this same spirit, the Museum established AMNH Expeditions (www.amnhexpeditions.org) which, for more than 50 years, has enabled Museum Travelers to embark on their own explorations of the world in the company of Museum scientists, educators, and curators.

AMNH Expeditions presents educational travel programs that reflect past and current areas of interest and exploration by the Museum and participation helps to support the Museum’s mission to discover, interpret, and disseminate-through scientific research and education-knowledge about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe.

From the ancient city of Merv on central Asia’s Silk Route to the blue icescapes of Antarctica, AMNH Expeditions’ programs offer extraordinary destinations, unparalleled access to world famous sites and people, and exceptional educational content provided by an international network of scholars, world leaders, community members, friends, and partner institutions.

In 2009, AMNH Expeditions is expanding upon its mission to assist travelers in experiencing the world by land, air, and sea. On LandIn 2008, AMNH Expeditions travelers had the rare opportunity to visit several renowned prehistoric sites of southern France, including Rouffignac and the seldom-visited cave of Bernifal. AMNH Expeditions is pleased to offer a repeat performance of Hidden Caves (June 5-17, 2009). The program culminates at Pech Merle and Niaux, where one of the most spectacular animal figures was sketched and painted.

This year’s study leader is Ken Mowbray, a paleoanthropologist and research associate in the division Anthropology at AMNH. Also in June, the mystical land of the Incas comes alive as participants travel Along the Inca Trail (June 27-July 5, 2009).

Travelers explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo, visit the ruins of Pisaq, and hike or take the train to Machu Picchu. Dr. Alan Covey, anthropologist and Director of Latin American and Iberian Studies at Southern Methodist University, joins as study leader to guide the expedition.

By Sea

Seventy percent of Earth is covered by water, so it’s no surprise that AMNH Expeditions also offers a series of expeditionary cruise programs. In 2009, travelers can snorkel the “Jewel of the Caribbean” while learning about the conservation efforts of the Belize Barrier Reef (January 4-11, 2009) with Dr. Eleanor Sterling, director of the Museum’s Center for Biodiversity and Conservation; explore the natural wonders of New Zealand (January 24-February 8, 2009) with Museum scientist Dr. James Webster and award-winning naturalist Neville Peat; or take a cross-cultural journey to Senegal, Mauritania, and Morocco on West Africa Discovery (February 26-March 12, 2009) with study leader Dr. George Hegarty, specialist in African civilization and history.

In the Air

Unparalleled jet and plane itineraries link cultural and natural sites, providing convenient access to regions separated by great distance, imposing mountain ranges, or even oceans. AMNH Expeditions offers a jet-setting journey Around the World (February 26-March 21, 2009) with renowned anthropologist Dr. Ian Tattersall; a privately-chartered plane ride with study leader Dr. Richard Holdaway for the Circumnavigation of Australia (May 12-29, 2009); and both aerial and up-close views of big and small game alike while traveling by private plane to game reserves in Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa on a Southern Africa Safari (June 1-17, 2009) with Dr. George Amato, Director of the AMNH Center for Conservation Genetics and the Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics.

For the Whole Family

AMNH Expeditions’ Family Programs are designed to engage, enrich, and delight all generations. Accompanied by study leaders and youth coordinators whose focus is on the interests of younger participants, parents, grandparents, and children experience the world as a living, breathing classroom. Cruise the waters of the Mediterranean on Greece: A Family Odyssey (June 22-July 3, 2009) or, for advanced nature students, try Family Galapagos Adventure (June 21-30, 2009), where swimming alongside tiny Galápagos penguins and playful sea lions, snorkeling amidst colorful tropical fish, and encountering giant tortoises in their natural habitat are just part of your vacation’s daily curriculum.

Other family programs include Family Costa Rica Adventure (July 2-11, 2009) and Tuscan Summer: A Family Holiday (July 25-August 3, 2009).

For more information on these and other educational travel opportunities available through AMNH Expeditions, call 800-462-8687 or visit www.amnhexpeditions.org  

American Museum of Natural HistoryThe American Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s preeminent scientific, educational, and cultural institutions.

Since its founding in 1869, the Museum has advanced its global mission to explore and interpret human cultures and the natural world through a wide-reaching program of scientific research, education, and exhibitions.

The Museum accomplishes this ambitious goal through its extensive facilities and resources. The institution houses 46 permanent exhibition halls, state-of-the-art research laboratories, one of the largest natural history libraries in the Western Hemisphere, and a permanent collection of more than 30 million specimens and cultural artifacts.

With a scientific staff of more than 200, the Museum supports research divisions in Anthropology, Paleontology, Invertebrate and Vertebrate Zoology, and the Physical Sciences.

The Museum shares its treasures and discoveries with approximately four million on-site visitors from around the world each year. AMNH-produced exhibitions and Space Shows can currently be seen in venues on five continents reaching an audience of millions.

 In addition, the Museum’s Web site, www.amnh.org extends its collections, exhibitions, and educational programs to millions more beyond the Museum’s walls