Union Presbyterian Seminary’s William Smith Morton Library will host the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History’s traveling exhibition, “Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human?” The exhibit will run Sep. 3 through Nov. 15, offering an opportunity to delve into the world of human evolution.

The exhibition, curated by the Smithsonian and the American Library Association, aims to spark public conversation about human origins and what it means to be human. Through a variety of interactive elements including panels, kiosks, hands-on displays and videos, visitors can explore milestones in human evolutionary history.

“We are so excited that Union Presbyterian Seminary was selected to host this unique and fascinating exhibit,” said Seminary Exhibition Coordinator, Chris Burton. “You won’t want to miss seeing the William S. Morton Library transformed into a science museum, and we have an impressive line-up of programs planned, with offerings for kids and adults.”

The exhibit will showcase reconstructed faces by John Anthony Gurche and landscape illustrations by Karen Carr Studio. It will encourage visitors to contemplate their place in the natural world and reflect on how human ancestors such as Homo neanderthalensis, Homo heidelbergensis and Homo erectus adapted to various climates over millions of years.

In October, scientists and experts from the NMNH Human Origins Program will visit Richmond to host community events, including a science program, educator workshop, and community conversations. Specific dates for these events will be announced soon on the seminary’s website.

The exhibition is free and open to the public during the library’s operating hours. The William Smith Morton Library is located at 3406 Chamberlayne Ave. Visitors are advised to park on nearby streets, leaving campus parking lots available for students and faculty.

For more information about the exhibition and upcoming events, visit upsem.edu/human.