BY JUDY CARMACK BROSS
SUE the T. rex looked on with approval as Field Museum Women’s Board members, children, and guests explored one of our city’s treasures on the board’s inaugural Family Day.
Going behind the scenes with scientists and interacting with volunteers at interpretive activity carts, guests proclaimed that it was even better than any “night at the museum” shown in the movies.
Winter Family Day Co-Chair Susu Block with her children and niece.
Susu Block and Amy Scalera Findlay served as Family Day co-chairs. Susu shared with us some of the fun:
“It was wonderful to see so many families and kids of all ages enjoying the Field Museum at The Women’s Board’s Winter Family Day. The museum’s collection numbers more than 30 million specimens, the majority of which is in storage.
“Our breakfast event offered guests the opportunity to interact with specimens not currently on display, take scientist-led tours of the museum’s research facilities, and have private access to exhibits, such as the Grainger Science Hub. It was a special day for all and we hope to continue this tradition in years to come.”
Women’s Board member Laura Silva with her daughter Annabelle and friend Ava Hollnagel.
Children of Women’s Board members interact with an owl shown by John Bates, Associate Curator of Birds at The Field Museum.
The Women’s Board of the Field, headed by Susan Clark McBride, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2016. Since its founding, the board has made an extraordinary impact on the museum, hosting more than 100 fundraising and friend-raising events in support of the Museum’s mission.
Through their events, programs, and personal gifts from members and their families, the board has raised more than $100 million for the Field.
Committed to inspiring interest in science at all levels, the Women’s Board will host its annual Women in Science Program and Luncheon April 25. Ilene Gordon, Chairman, President, and CEO of Ingredion, will speak. Gordon became the 21st female CEO of a Fortune 500 company in 2012 when Ingredion’s sales hit $6 billion.
Co-chaired by Donna Greenberg and Deanne McLean, the luncheon will support science internships and fellowships for young women at the museum. On the day of the luncheon, the Field will also engage female high school students from Chicago Public Schools in hands-on programming activities.
Richard Lariviere serves as President of the Field Museum.
Winter Family Day attendee Fernanda Heitor and her son, Lucas Behdad, view specimens in The Field Museum’s underground collection.
Field Museum “Discovery Squad” volunteers show a skull to Winter Family Day guests.
Field Museum Founders’ Council member Erma Medgyesy and granddaughter, Audrey Keller, interact with specimens at a interpretive cart.
For more information on the Women in Science Program and Luncheon, visit fieldmuseum.org/sciencelunch.
Photo credit: Kyle Flubacker
