THE FIELD MUSEUM’S MEMBER PUBLICATION Diamond ) é fey ete Fae e ’ at WINTER 2009/10 NOVEMBER-FEBRUARY VOL. 81, NO.1 EDITOR: Emily J. Waldren The Field Museum DESIGN: Bockos Design, Inc. Printed on recycled paper using soy-based inks. All images © The Field Museum unless otherwise specified. IN THE FIELD (ISSN #1051-4546) is published three times a year It’s hard to believe, but the holiday season is almost upon us. Keep The Field by The Field Museum, Annual subscriptions are $20; $10 for schools. Museum member- Starting Nov. 30 through Dec. 6, your discount at the Museum Stores Museum in mind as you search for the perfect gifts for your family and friends. SHIBINEINGES INTHE FIELD increases to 20 percent off all items. Visit fieldmuseum.org/store or stop subscription. Opinions expressed by authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the policy of The Field Museum. in to pick up something for everyone on yout list. Not every gift fits in a gift box Museum memberships make great holiday Notification of address change gifts too, and are something that your loved ones can continue to use through- should include address label out the year. And of course tickets to our Dozin’ with the Dinos sleepovers and should be sent to the weenuaala Fomine ' rodinbevanih teperterent: are guaranteed to be a hit with children! POSTMASTER This holiday season, the Museum will be sparkling brighter than ever. Be sure Send address changes to: to make room on your calendar to see the newly renovated Grainger Hall Membership, The Field Museum 1400 South Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60605-2496 more about these exciting and beautiful exhibitions, see pages 3, 4, and 6 of Gems and the new, temporary exhibition The Nature of Diamonds. To learn COVER (CLOCKWISE, FROM in this issue of In The Field. TOP LEFT): The Milky Way necklace is adorned with 2,000 diamonds; the Tiffany Diamond extended hours during the holidays. Extend your Museum visit until 6pm is one of the world’s largest and Se Aaah Delicate on Nov. 28, and Dec. 26, 27, 29 and 30. the Grainger Hall of Gems features gemstones still embedded in their matrix; this stick pin features an intricate portrait of King Willem IIL of the Netherlands. IMAGE CREDITS (CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT): © C. PHILIP HERSEE PHOTOGRAPHY LTD., COURTESY OF TIFFANY & CO. ARCHIVES, JOHN WEINSTEIN / GE086518_13125A0, JOHN WEINSTEIN / GE086519_3688A In order to accommodate your busy schedules, The Field offers special As the year winds down and we prepare to celebrate, The Field Museum staff would like to thank you for your continued support. We wish everyone a safe and peaceful holiday season and a happy New Year. Michelle Clayton Director of Membership DIANE ALEXANDER WHITE useum 1400 South Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60605-2496 312.922.9410 fieldmuseum.org Shedd Aquarium Adler Planetarium The Field Museum salutes the people of Chicago for their long-standing support of the Museum through the Chicago Park District. Programming is partially supported by a CityArts Program 4 Grant from the City of Chicago Department of E Cultural Affairs and the Illinois ; . AYsiccindi sheen MANY BUSES AND RAIL LINES PROVIDE ACCESS TO THE FIELD MUSEUM. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 888.YOURCTA = Ki OR VISIT WWW.TRANSITCHICAGO.COM. VISIT WWW.RTACHICAGO.COM FOR REGIONAL TRANSIT INFORMATION. = a MN he 7 ae Mee SR on display for the first time. One of many gems on display from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition is this 16.6-carat golden topaz. IF YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GEMSTONES AFTER VISITING THE GRAINGER HALL OF GEMS, VISIT THE MUSEUM'S STORE AND PICK UP A COPY OF GEMS AND GEMSTONES BY GRAINGER HALL OF GEMS CURATOR LANCE GRANDE AND ALLISON AUGUSTYN. JOHN WEINSTEIN / GE086518 0755AD The Renovated Grainger Hall of Gems The 21st Century Reincarnation of Permanent Field Museum Favorite By Orly Telisman, Manager of Media Relations The Field Museum’s gem exhibition has been a destination favorite since 1921, the Museum’ first year in its present location. Over the years, the hall has had several facelifts: once in 1941, 1985, and again in 1997. Now completely redesigned and updated, featuring dazzling displays of 770 gems and magnificent jewelry pieces, the new hall is the most comprehensive exhibition of its kind between the east and west coasts. The eye-popping 5,890-carat Chalmers topaz still graces the renovated Grainger Hall of Gems, but you will also see rare stones, “The exhibition combines the beauty of nature with the creativity of human artistry,” explains Lance Grande, PhD, the Museum’s senior vice president and head of collections and research, and curator of the Grainger Hall of Gems. “The Field’s exhibition contains breathtaking pieces from all over the world.” The Field Museum’s renovation takes a unique approach to understanding the natural history of precious stones. Each display features gemstones still embedded in ancient rock (matrix) in which they were found. Alongside the gemstones in matrix are cut and polished stones, and next to those are beautiful finished pieces of jewelry. With the gems organized in this way, visitors experience the complete story of how a stone ends up being worn on the red carpet! Here, members can discover never-before-seen creations from top jewelry designers including Chicago’s Lester Lampert, Mare Scherer, Ellie Thompson, and Oak Park Jewelers. Also included are Mish Tworkowski of Mish New York and the late Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Often, gems that do not look alike are, in fact, chemically similar. The exhibition gems are arranged according to variety in order to under- stand their relationship. Did you know ruby and sapphire are related? Both are made of aluminum oxide. The red in ruby is due to trace amounts of chromium, while blue sapphire contains trace amounts of iron and titanium. The exhibition showcases many gems notable for their size or rarity. They include a highly unusual 56-carat color-changing sapphire that appears blue in the daylight and then a deep purple in incandescent light. Discover precious jewelry such as a regal platinum necklace containing more than 90 carats of rubies and hundreds of diamonds, a Kashmir blue sapphire necklace with a 60-carat gem carved to resemble a human face, and a dramatic 25-carat diamond broach. Another exhibition highlight is the solid gold Aqusan Image, a famous archaeological discovery made in the Philippines. The Hindu or Buddhist deity from the 13th century tips the scale at more than four-and-one-half pounds! The tremendous variety of jewelry and stones in the renovated Grainger Hall of Gems ensures that it will continue to be a destination favorite, delighting Museum members for years to come. ITF The Grainger Hall of Gems is made possible by The Grainger Foundation. WINTER 2009/10 » NOVEMBER-—FEBRUAR IN THE FIELD FEATURE By Anna Huntley, Project Manager Glamorous. Dazzling. Ancient. Born from billions of years of crushing geological force, diamond is a truly remarkable mineral. Its beauty has been prized by many cultures throughout the ages as a symbol of strength, wealth, and love. The Field Museum’s newest exhibition, The Nature of Diamonds (through Mar. 28, 2010) is an exciting look at this fascinating gemstone, at once glittering and tough, decorative and utilitarian. The Nature of Diamonds feature: diamond in its raw state (top, center), diamonds in finished jewelry pieces, and diamonds worn by a number of celebrities including Elton John’s shoulder broach and a tiara worn by Salma Hayek “Tip of the Iceberg” ring (above) Featured are nearly 800 exquisite objects, including some of the world’s most stunning gems such as the 128.54-carat Tiffany Diamond—worn by actress Audrey Hepburn to promote the movie 3reakfast at Tiffany’s—one of the largest and finest fancy yellow diamonds on record. Along with this rare opportunity to see some of the world’s most precious gems, The Nature of Diamonds also provides an in-depth examination of earth science and diamond as a natural substance The centerpiece of The Nature of Diamonds is “The Vault” where visitors will discover some of the exhibition’s most exceptional pieces including many that are rarely displayed. Highlighted is the world famous Incomparable Diamond — at 407.48 carats, it’s the largest flawless diamond ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America and the third-largest cut diamond ever recorded. The diamond was found as an 890-carat rough diamond in the early 1980s. Following four years of study and cutting, the 407.48-carat diamond emerged. Visitors will also be thrilled by innovative designs such as architect Frank Gehry’s Diamonds in the Rough necklace designed for Tiffany & Co. and the graceful Question Mark necklace from 1890, which holds a single flower at the end of a graceful curve, forming a sweeping question mark shape around the wearer’s neck. A magnificent selection of jewelry from the 15th through 19th centuries shows the role diamonds have played in personal adornment throughout time. Visitors will discover how diamond’s connotation of class, culture, and wealth captured the heart of Hollywood. On display are pieces worn by actresses of yesterday and today, including a diamond bracelet owned by Joan Crawford and a tiara worn by Salma Hayek. But diamonds ‘ are more than a “girl’s best friend;” don’t miss the handsome Toronto Maple Leaf’s Stanley Cup ring, made in 1992 and presented to sports writer Milt Dunnell to commemorate the 1967 Stanley Cup championship. More Than Precious Jewelry The exhibition does not focus simply on jewelry. It is also a fascinating look at geologic processes, the cultural role of diamond through the ages, and how diamonds are used in cutting-edge technology. Visitors will learn about the crystal structure of diamond and where diamond comes from. Most diamonds formed about 3.3 billion years ago, hundreds of miles within the Earth’s molten mantle. Diamonds are actually hurled up from deep within the Earth by the action of explosive volcanoes that create “diamond pipes.” Visitors can walk through a recreated pipe and glimpse rarely seen samples of diamond still embedded in kimberlite (volcanic rock). The exhibition also explains how diamonds are judged as gemstones (the four C’s—cut, carat, color, and clarity) and also explores the way diamonds are mined and sold. The exhibition discusses “conflict diamonds” and explains a new, fifth “C”— certification, which ensures that the diamond in question is not a conflict diamond. “The Nature of Diamonds is an ideal complement to The Field Museum’s permanent gem collection,” says Director of Exhibitions David Foster. “By exploring every ‘facet’ of this remarkable gemstone, visitors will walk away with a new understanding of diamond and its enduring mystery and allure that has drawn people to it since diamond’s earliest discovery.” The exhibition is a seamless blend of artistry and science. By examining a single stone, The Nature of Diamonds allows visitors to explore the deep cultural past and the exciting technological future of one of Earth’s most astonishing gems. ITF The Nature of Diamonds is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York, in collaboration with The Field Museum, Chicago; the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto; and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. This exhibition is made possible by the generous support of The Grainger Foundation. JAN VAN PAK PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY TIFFANY & CO. ARCHIVES Sparkling Highlights! While visiting The Nature of Diamonds, you'll be amazed at the number of dazzling gemstones and jewelry on display. There are a number of objects you don’t want to miss. During your visit, be sure to keep an eye out for these highlights: Aurora Peace Butterfly Think diamond only comes in one color? Then you definitely need to see the Aurora Peace Butterfly. Comprised of 240 individual stones, this butterfly- shaped arrangement represents every color of diamond found in nature. Visitors will be awed by the beauty of this stunning creation. The Wade Necklace One of the more versatile pieces in the exhibition, this Tiffany & Co. necklace (pictured above) can be worn many different ways. With the simple use of clasps, the necklace can also be worn asa bracelet or a bodice ornament. A Diamond in the Rough We’re all used to seeing diamonds after they’ve been cut, polished, and set— but what does diamond look like right after it’s been mined? Looking at a diamond in its matrix, you'll be amazed at the craftsmanship that goes into turning that diamond into beautiful jewelry! The Tiffany Diamond Worn by Audrey Hepburn to promote the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s, this 128.54-carat gemstone (pictured left) is one of the world’s largest and finest fancy yellow diamonds. The setting, “Bird ona Rock,” was designed by legendary Jean Schlumberger. The Field Museum’s exhibition is only the third time the diamond has been on display in Chicago. The first showing was at the 1893 Columbian Exposition! WINTER 2009/10 » NOVEMBER-FEBRUARY 5 ———————ee All that glitters... The Field Renovates the Grainger Hall of Gems A Conversation with Janet Zapata By Emily Waldren, Editor The newly renovated Grainger Hall of Gems promises to be an exquisite look at all that sparkles. The exhibition showcases gemstones in their natural state, alongside polished gems and beautiful, finished jewelry. ITF recently spoke with Janet Zapata, content specialist for the renovated hall. Zapata has written several books on the history of American jewelry and has worked with the American Museum of Natural History in New York to create several exhibitions. ITF: What drew you to becoming a jewelry historian and what makes this career so interesting? Zapata: Working in jewelry studies was the furthest thing from my mind when I was in the Rutgers Graduate Program in Art History. After an internship at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the curator telephoned to tell me Tiffany’s needed someone to move their archives. I was the first “warm body” to appear and was hired to pack up and move the books, drawings, and ledgers. When that was done, I was asked to work on their 150th anniversary, so I helped with books and exhibitions including Tiffany: The Grainger Hall of Gems 150 Years of Gems and Jewelry at the American Museum of Natural History. will feature finished jewelry pieces, As they say, the rest is history; since then, I’ve written several books and cut gems, and gemstones still curated a number of exhibitions. embedded in their matrix. i. veg What do I love about what I do? It’s the research— spending time in libraries, going through archival material. I love the collectors whose enthusiasm for the pieces they own is infectious, as well as the descendants of long-forgotten jewelers who often get as excited about their ancestor as I do. I also love the hunt — happening upon some wonderful jewel you never knew existed. ITF: Has jewelry always been associated with the rich? oa a a - ~ = < < < Zapata: Of all the art forms, jewelry has the & 2 = longest history. In ancient times, jewelry was 2 s 2 & 8 3 - . . : “Cc . 2 o oo worn for its magical significance and symbolic & & g meanings. Great care was taken in the execution of these highly regarded objects. Because of . its malleability, gold was preferred but only the Of all the art forms, wealthiest could afford to wear jewelry made H | h th | t h - t / . jewelry has the longest history. out of it. For most of history, jewelry was owned by royalty and the aristocracy. It wasn’t until the 19th century and the advent of the industrial ITF: How has jewelry changed throughout history? revolution that jewelry became the purview How has it remained the same? of the middle class who was eager to show off ; ; ; : ' : : , : Zapata: In ancient times, jewelry design was based on plants and objects in its new wealth. Diamonds, rubies, sapphires, ¢ : ‘ 5 : 3 the environment, but by the Renaissance, elaborate jewelry featured images emeralds, and natural pearls were sought after rae ; : ¢ , of animals and humans. By the 18th century, diamonds were set into elaborate as symbols of status and were worn as such; : a i mountings, but it was the 19th century that saw a plethora of styles from armed guards would often accompany a lady i Atl ‘ i & elaborate matching jewelry sets to simple scarf pins. The 20th century to a ball or an evening at the opera. ; Sahl oe : ae witnessed an explosion in innovative ideas that followed the precepts of fine The discovery of South African diamonds in art such as art deco and art moderne. the 1860s meant that more diamonds were ; hace, ost=y" : ; ; ie : During the past two centuries, individual jewelers and companies have available to satisfy the growing demand. Large ; ‘ : ; j : é j dominated jewelry making with unique designs that have become hallmarks diamonds were desired but smaller stones could engl ; < es . ; ek : of their periods. In the past 50 years, studio jewelers have changed the look of be set into modest, more affordable settings. : f ae : ’ / jewelry, using nontraditional materials such as leather to create unique pieces. Janet Zapata, : : : et ITF: What excites you about the plans for our newly renovated content specialist ‘ e Grainger Hall of Gems? 5 Top, from left to ts ek, : i ; 2 : oh x sr Zapata: The Field’s renovation of the Grainger Hall of Gems is very exciting. e right: Aquamarine, d ; wee : 2 It will be good to see the jewelry that we know and love in a new environment s Ruby Topaz, and i e 3 5 Heltodl as well as to view many new additions. I cannot wait to see the gemstones 2 eltodor. , , : ae = in the Museum’s collection that have been recently mounted into jewelry B | created by some of today’s foremost designers. ITF iy | The Grainger Hall of Gems is made possible by The Grainger Foundation. ———Bewove Seca APPDING, FOr iy — Reese ce { ZoN Ceeklets | KING et OCRed, _——_>r | OM ONS GlAceS | 4 SEAR \| Sive ce. “Pavel | FEMOVABLE CLASS Tm NEL_ 2 re eo Sew APPees TO GO THREE, he Soe comme “AK LIGHTING CONSTELL_ SAL) BSP WINTER 2009/10 * NOVEMBER-FEBRUARY 7 OF SPECIAL INTEREST Connecting Real and Virtual Worlds at The Field Museum By Krystal Villanosa, Communications and Funding Administrator, Audrey Aronowsky, Scientific Program Manager and Beth Sanzenbacher, Coral Reef Specialist The Field Museum has expanded its slate of traditional education offerings by plugging into virtual worlds. Now kids ages 8 to 16 can extend their Museum visit by playing Animal Adventure on KidsCom.com and WhyReef on reef.whyville.net. Animal Adventure is a family-focused virtual world accessed at KidsCom.com, geared for ages 8-13. Kids learn about local Ilinois biodiversity, including rare wetland ecosystems, and the challenges facing them. They work to identify the adaptations that make wetland ecosystems unique, and develop strategies for solving problems that threaten wetlands, such as illegal dumping and habitat destruction. Animal Adventure encourages young people to take an active role in their KidsCom.com environment and be responsible global citizens. WhyReef is a coral reef located in the virtual world of Whyville and is accessed at reef-whyville. net. WhyReef is intended for ages 10-16 and has a wide variety of activities, ranging from assessing coral reef biodiversity to effecting change in an unhealthy reef. Through a series of games and activities, they explore and compare two coral reefs, identifying the significant species in each and monitoring species populations under different and changing conditions. Like a real reef.whyville.net coral reef, WhyReef has many colorful and charismatic species. Favorites include the spinner dolphin, the hawksbill sea turtle, and the hump- Animal Adventure is made possible through the support of head parrotfish. Kids can also explore the complex The Comer Foundation Fund at the Chicago Community Trust. system of “who-eats-whom” by playing a food WhyReef is made possible with support from the John D. web game. Children can also work together and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. —_—_ tq address environmental challenges threatening these fragile ecosystems. ITF Field memberships make great gifts! Call 312.665.7700 - M-F 8:30am-4:30pm Visit fieldmuseum.org/membership 8 IN THE FIELD MICHAEL DAVIE FRANCIS LATREILLE KAREN KASMAUSKI JAMES BALOG NATIONAL / GEOGRAPHIC . PROGRAM TICKETS & INFO > NOVEMBER-FEBRUARY = £ useum National Geographic Live Speaker Series The Field Museum proudly presents the 2009-2010 season of National Geographic Live, featuring entertaining and visually spectacular presentations by dynamic National Geographic explorers, scientists, photographers, and naturalists. From photographing threatened wildlife in the Arctic to sweeping global health stories, our speakers enlighten and inspire audiences. All presentations take place on Tuesday nights at 7:30pm. Remaining dates and events: 11.3.09 FROM THE FRONTLINES OF GLOBAL HEALTH with Karen Kasmauski, Photographer Photographer Karen lKasmauski shares heroic tales of health care workers around the world who use creativity and cultural sensitivity to address the urgent needs of communities embroiled in crisis. 12.8.09 POLAR OBSESSION with Paul Nicklen, Photographer Join photographer Paul Nicklen for an evening exploring the wild beauty of the poles, including leopard seals, polar bears, and walruses, and the impact of climate change on their fragile habitats. 2.2.10 AFRICA: THROUGH THE LENS with Michael Davie, Filmmaker, Journalist Zimbabwe-born filmmaker Michael Davie shares tales of adventure, extraordinary personal encounters, and riveting film clips—appealing to all who want to understand Africa today and its role in our future. 3.9.10 WAKING THE BABY MAMMOTH with Daniel Fisher, Paleontologist Paleontologist Daniel Fisher tells the story of the baby mammoth Lyuba, explaining what this Ice Age ambassador can teach us about her life and times. (Related to upcoming exhibition: Mammoths and Mastodons, which opens March 5. See page 9 of ITF for details.) 4.13.10 THE BIG THAW with James Balog, Photographer, Author Presenting dramatic images of our planet in flux from his Extreme Ice Survey, photographer James Balog delivers an empowering testimony to the reality of climate change, inspiring his audience to make a difference. Tickets are sold in three-part fall or spring series subscriptions (prices begin at $60 for members), and are also available for individual events with prices starting at $22 for members. To purchase tickets, visit nglive.org/chicago. PAUL NICKLEN GENERAL MUSEUM INFO > : a november AT THE ART STUDIO* Family Program Come design and create your very own jewelry inspired by cultures around the world! OPEN DAILY IN NOVEMBER, 10am-2pm TWO OF US: PRECIOUS STONES* Family Program Come learn how to collect, polish, and display your most special rocks. MONDAYS IN NOVEMBER, 10am-1llam KRAFT STORY TIME* Family Program Take a seat in the Crown Family PlayLab to hear a story and make an art project to take home —all in 20 minutes! SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS, 11:30am & 1:30pm FROM THE FRONTLINES OF GLOBAL HEALTH with KAREN KASMAUSKI, PHOTOGRAPHER Lecture Photographer Karen Kasmauski shares heroic tales of health care workers around the world who use creativity and cultural sensitivity to address the urgent needs of communities embroiled in crisis. NOVEMBER 3, 7:30pm Prices listed on the front of the calendar. DOZIN’ WITH THE DINOS Overnight Family Program Sue the T. rex is having a sleepover! Join us for a night of family workshops, self-guided tours and performances. Explore ancient Egypt by flashlight, prowl an African savannah with man-eating lions, and take a stroll through the Royal Palace in Bamum, Africa. Then spread your sleeping bag amidst some of our most popular exhibitions. The event includes an evening snack and continental breakfast in the morning. NOVEMBER 20 & 27, 5:45pm-9am $60, $50 members and groups THE SECRETS OF COLLECTIONS: THE MUMMY’S AMULETS* Family Program Did you know that the scarab and dung beetle represented rebirth and the djed pillar stood for stability? Come make amulets with the symbols the ancient Egyptians used for protection as they made their journey into the afterlife. NOVEMBER 21, llam-2pm FAMILY FIELD DAY* Family Program Take part in fun and free art and science activities in the Crown Family PlayLab and in the rest of the Museum. Be an explorer, scientist, artist, and much more! NOVEMBER 21, llam-2pm *FREE WITH MUSEUM ADMISSION _ fieldmuseum.org december KRAFT STORY TIME* Family Program Take a seat in the Crown Family PlayLab to hear a story and make an art project to take home—all in 20 minutes! SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS, 11:30am & 1:30pm POLAR OBSESSION with PAUL NICKLEN, PHOTOGRAPHER Lecture Join photographer Paul Nicklen for an evening exploring the wild beauty of the poles, including leopard seals, polar bears, and walruses, and the impact of climate change on their fragile habitats. DECEMBER 8, 7:30pm Prices listed on the front of the calendar. FAMILY FIELD DAY* Family Program Take part in fun and free art and science activities in the Crown Family PlayLab and in the rest of the Museum. Be an explorer, scientist, artist, and much more! DECEMBER 19, llam-2pm STORYTELLING FESTIVAL* Family Program With the help of Chicago’s best storytellers, the Crown Family PlayLab is bringing your favorite children’s stories to life this winter break. Bring your kids and take a seat to enjoy tales of caterpillars and butterflies, re-enact scenes from Where the Wild Things Are, and learn about the art of quilt making. We hope you'll be a part of this year’s Storytelling Festival! DECEMBER 26-31, llam-2pm “FREE WITH MUSEUM ADMISSION fieldmuseum.org Starting November 2009, as part of your Dozin’ with the Dinos experience, you can watch a movie in The Field Museum’s new Ernst & Young 3D Theater. Now showing is Dinosaurs Alive! 3D, an exciting look at paleontology from yesterday and today. Follow paleontologists as they explore some of the greatest dinosaur finds in history! With the help of computer animation, you'll meet and learn about Tarbosaurus (a close relative to T. rex), Velociraptors, Protoceratops, and more. This movie will bring dinosaurs—their behaviors and their ancient environments—to life! Film tickets are $5 and are available for purchase during the event. january KRAFT STORY TIME* Family Program Take a seat in the Crown Family PlayLab to hear a story and make an art project to take home—all in 20 minutes! SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS, 11:30am & 1:30pm DOZIN’ WITH THE DINOS Overnight Family Program Sue the T. rex is having a sleepover! Join us for a night of workshops, self-guided tours and fun activities. Explore ancient Egypt by flashlight, prowl an African savannah with man-eating lions, and take a stroll through the Royal Palace in Bamum, Africa. Then spread your sleeping bag amidst some of our most popular exhibitions. The event includes an evening snack and continental breakfast in the morning. JANUARY 8 & 15, 5:45pm-9am STANDARD OVERNIGHT: $63, $51 members and groups PREMIUM PACKAGE 1: $75, $65 members PREMIUM PACKAGE 2: $87, $77 members Families can sign up for Premium Package 1 and sleep in our Evolving Planet exhibition, or book Premium Package 2 and sleep in Evolving Planet and add a behind-the-scenes tour with a Field Museum scientist! FAMILY FIELD DAY* Family Program Take part in fun and free art and science activities in the Crown Family PlayLab and in the rest of the Museum. Be an explorer, scientist, artist, and much more! JANUARY 16, llam-2pm *FREE WITH MUSEUM ADMISSION _ fieldmuseum.org I spy a dinosaur, do you? This early childhood camp is designed expressly for young explorers ages 3—5 with their caregivers. Join us for two days of dino discovery where we will learn how to spot a dinosaur, dig for dinosaur bones, and see Sue’s skull! Choose from the following two-day sessions: SESSION 1: Tuesday, June 15 & Thursday, June 17 SESSION 2: Wednesday, June 16 & Friday, June 18 SESSION 3: Tuesday, June 22 & Thursday, June 24 SESSION 4: Wednesday, June 23 & Friday, June 25 9am-12pm each day $75, $65 members (one adult included in the price for each camper) This is a peanut-free program. If you have special needs you would like us to be aware of prior to camp, please call 312.665.7551 KRAFT STORY TIME* Family Program Take a seat in the Crown Family PlayLab to hear a story and make an art project to take home —all in 20 minutes! SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS, 11:30am & 1:30pm AFRICA: THROUGH THE LENS with MICHAEL DAVIE, FILMMAKER, JOURNALIST Lecture Zimbabwe-born filmmaker Michael Davie shares tales of adventure, extraordinary personal encounters, and riveting film clips-appealing to all who want to understand Africa today and its role in our future. FEBRUARY 2, 7:30pm « Prices listed on the front of the calendar. DOZIN’ WITH THE DINOS Overnight Family Program Sue the T. rex is having a sleepover! Join us for a night of workshops, self-guided tours and fun activities. Explore ancient Egypt by flashlight, prowl an African savannah with man-eating lions, and take a stroll through the Royal Palace in Bamum, Africa. Then spread your sleeping bag amidst some of our most popular exhibitions. The event includes an evening snack and continental breakfast in the morning. FEBRUARY 5 & 12, 5:45pm-9am STANDARD OVERNIGHT: $63, $51 members and groups PREMIUM PACKAGE 1: $75, $65 members PREMIUM PACKAGE 2: $87, $77 members Families can sign up for Premium Package 1 and sleep in our Evolving Planet exhibition, or book Premium Package 2 and sleep in Evolving Planet and add a behind-the-scenes tour with a Field Museum scientist! FAMILY FIELD DAY* Family Program Take part in fun and free art and science activities in the Crown Family PlayLab and in the rest of the Museum. Be an explorer, scientist, artist, and much more! FEBRUARY 20, llam-2pm *FREE WITH MUSEUM ADMISSION _ fieldmuseum.org summer worlds tour! Summer Worlds Tour is a week-long summer program for children ages 5-10 years old. Campers will explore the worlds beyond Earth at the Adler Planetarium, travel back in time to meet the mightiest prehistoric giants at The Field Museum, and transform into under- water explorers at Shedd Aquarium. During the program, campers investigate exhibits, create original art projects, play learning games and have lunch along the shores of Lake Michigan. Select one of the following four sessions: July 12-16 + July 19-23 + July 26-30 - August 2-6 9am-—3pm each day » $285, $255 members Visit adlerplanetarium.org in early 2010 for registration details. explore our exhibitions Rediscover your favorites! CROWN FAMILY PLAYLAB PERMANENT EXHIBITION Little explorers have their own place ina big museum! The Crown Family PlayLab is generously sponsored by the Crown family EVOLVING PLANET PERMANENT EXHIBITION Go on an awe-inspiring journey through 4 billion years of life on Earth, from single-celled organisms to towering dinosaurs and our extended human family. Unique fossils, animated videos, hands-on interactive displays, and recreated sea- and landscapes help tell the compelling story of evolution — the single process that connects everything that’s ever lived on Earth. Evolving Planet is made possible by Kenneth and Anne Griffin. The Elizabeth Morse Genius Charitable Trust is the generous sponsor of Evolving Planet Genius Hall of Dinosaurs THE ANCIENT AMERICAS PERMANENT EXHIBITION Step into the windswept world of Ice Age mammoth hunters. Walk through a replica of an 800-year-old pueblo dwelling and imagine your entire family cooking, eating, and sleeping in one small room. Explore the Aztec empire and its island capital, Tenochtitlan, a city of more than = hi 200,000 people and an extraordinary ANCIENT feat of engineering for any era. AMERICAS The Ancient Americas is made possible by the McCormick Foundation GRAINGER HALL OF GEMS NEWLY RENOVATED! Marvel at the beauty and splendor of gemstones in The Field Museum’s newly renovated Grainger Hall of Gems. Learn what makes a ruby red, how opals are formed and the amazing color transformation of sapphire and alexandrite gems. Explore more than 700 breathtaking objects and discover why gems continue to hold the world’s imagination today. he Grainger Hall of Gems is generously sponsored by The Grainger Foundation See these before they go! LASTING IMPRESSIONS: CHINESE RUBBINGS FROM THE FIELD MUSEUM FEBRUARY 12, 2010 THROUGH JANUARY 3, 2011 Explore a millennia-old Chinese art form: the rubbing. Created by pressing thin sheets of wet paper into carvings in stone and inking the surface to form an impression, rubbings perform a range of functions from sharing famous works of literature to preserving images of the deceased. Featuring two dozen examples, selected from over 7,000 items in The Field Museums collections, discover the artistry and intricacy of Chinese rubbings. This exhibition was organized by The Field Museum This exhibition is supported by The Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation BUNCE ISLAND: A BRITISH SLAVE CASTLE Bunce Island IN SIERRA LEONE THROUGH FEBRUARY 28, 2010 Discover the inner workings of the Bunce Island “slave castle” from the days of the transatlantic slave trade, and learn how some African-Americans today are tracing their ancestry back to this site. The Marae Gallery is sponsored by Baker & McKenzie Presentation of this exhibition is made possible by curator Joseph A. Opala of James Madison University. THE NATURE OF DIAMONDS THROUGH MARCH 28, 2010 From its geological origins to its place in art, history and literature, no other gem has captured the world’s imagination quite like diamond. Through ancient manuscripts, multimedia and evocative exhibitory, explore the many facets of diamond and be dazzled by these breathtaking pieces. Discover the gem that has stimulated scientists, inspired writers and influenced artisans for thousands of years. The Nature of Diamonds is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York, in collaboration with The Field Museum, Chicago; the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto; and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. This exhibition is made possible by the generous support of The Grainger Foundation SCIENTIST’S PICK Meet Lyuba: A 40,000-Year-Old Baby Mammoth In 2007, a Siberian reindeer herder and two of his sons made a fantastic discovery—an intact baby woolly mammoth that had been preserved in the frozen soil of the Arctic for some 40,000 years. Named Lyuba, she will be the centerpiece of the Museum’s upcoming exhibition Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age (Mar. 5 through Sept. 6, 2010). Lyuba’s discovery made headlines around the world and now you can be one of the first to see her in the United States. Following her discovery, an international team of scientists performed several tests on Lyuba includ- ing an autopsy, DNA analysis and CT scanning. Previously, the researchers had examined fossils, tusks, and other frozen mammoth carcasses found in Siberia, but Lyuba was by far the best-preserved specimen they had ever seen. Amazingly, Lyuba was preserved with most of her features intact, including internal organs, giving researchers rare insights into the lives and habits of mammoths. For example, Lyuba’s © RIA NOVOSTI intestinal contents provide excellent information ) THE FIELD MUSEUM = about what mammoths in Siberia ate during the tissues and worked, along with freezing, to keep = Ice Age. The baby’s intestine also contained traces Lyuba’s carcass— approximately 110 pounds and 2 of adult feces, probably her mother’s, confirming 45 inches long—in excellent condition. z that baby mammoths, like modern elephant Discoveries of preserved mammioths, of : offspring, ate their mom’s excrement to ingest which Lyuba is the finest example, have greatly ~ the bacteria needed for proper digestion and supplemented clues already gathered from other An artist’s rendering of what a healthy gut. fossils to give scientists a better picture about Lyuba might have looked The scientists retraced Lyuba’s short life how these animals lived. When Mammoths and like while alive (above). and determined that she was only about 30 days Mastodons opens next year, you can learn even old when she died of suffocation after being more about these amazing beasts. ITF An international team of c : nae : trapped in mud along the banks of a stream. scientists studied Lyuba, ; While she struggled to free herself, her trunk performing an autopsy and DNA analysis (right) filled with silt and her body was quickly covered \ Lyu ba was by far the best by sediment. Samples of Lyuba’s soft tissue and tusks suggest she was a healthy animal at the prese rved specimen th ey time of her death. had ever seen % One of the most puzzling questions about Lyuba was how she remained so well preserved, even though she lay exposed almost a year before Curator of Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age Dan Fisher, PhD contributed to this Scientist’s Pick article. her discovery. Why didn’t her flesh rot during this last year? The scientific team’s American member, Daniel Fisher, PhD, a University of © PETER SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY Michigan paleontologist and curator of Mammoths and Mastodons, provided the answer For more information based upon his own research. Dr. Fisher found about Mammoths and that Lyuba had been preserved by lactic-acid- Mastodons be sure to read producing bacteria that colonized her body after the next issue of ITF. death. This microbial process “pickled” her soft WINTER 2009/10 * NOVEMBER-FEBRUARY 9 BEHIND THE SCENES ‘Special events at the Museum add just the right amount of jaw-dropping drama...’ 10 Affairs to Remember at The Field Museum By Megan Gaarte, Can you imagine a wedding with a T. rex on the guest list? Or a dinner overseen by the Lions of Tsavo? It’s not as far-fetched as it sounds. Special events at the Museum add just the right amount of jaw-dropping drama to everything from corporate meetings and fundraising galas, to high school proms and weddings. On average, the Museum’s Special Events team manages 130 events a year in various areas of the Museum. With over 35 world-renowned, permanent exhibitions, The Field Museum is truly a unique event experience for all. Special lighting, decorations, and floral arrangements transform the Museum’s many halls into settings such as a tropical paradise or a lavish Egyptian-themed banquet. The Special Events team runs like a well-oiled machine. Whether it’s managing vendor connections for catering or rearranging lighting and décor needs, no detail goes unnoticed. Since the Museum does not close its doors early for events, it’s especially important that the set-up does not have a negative impact on visitors. “Watching the Museum go into ‘event mode’ can be a lot of fun to see; the majority of visitors seem to enjoy the transformation,” says Director of Special Events Megan Williams Beckert. Beckert compares a successful event to a theater production. “Choreographed well and with all the right players, the lasting impression is priceless.” Events at the Museum have included performances by Cirque Shanghai performed on a 40-foot-tall stage in Stanley Field Hall, a concert by Michael Buble, and a Star Wars-themed wedding where the entire bridal party dressed as Star Wars characters. Beckert adds, “Clearly, they were huge fans.” Special events are much more than simple parties for clients; every event held at The Field contributes to the Museum’s overall mission. Proceeds from special events go directly back into the Museum’s budget, which then is used to help fund scientific research, create new exhibitions and public programs, and help maintain the building. If you're interested in planning an event at the Museum, whether it’s for 40 or 4,000 people, please contact the Special Events Department at 312.665.7600. ITF Discover Bunce Island New Exhibition Explores Slave Trade By Elizabeth Ratchford, Writer nu A Sketches of Bunce Island in 1805 (above) compare to images of the ruined castle left standing today (above, right). IMAGE COURTESY OF J. OPALA Thousands of Africans Saw the last of their native land from within the walls of a slave castle. Today, many African-Americans are tracing their family histories to these very castles along the West African coast. From now until February 28, 2010, The Field Museum offers a unique opportunity to be a part of this journey in Bunce Island: A British Slave Castle in Sierra Leone. Bunce Island provides an in-depth look at the historical and contemporary ties between Africa and the United States. The exhibition highlights the castle’s prominent role in the British slave trade as a primary means by which African captives were taken from the coast of Sierra Leone to work on North American rice plantations. Through reproduced drawings PHOTO © J. OPALA 2005 and graphic reconstructions, the exhibition details the history of this site as well as its contemporary connection to the Gullah people who still inhabit the coastal areas of Georgia and South Carolina. Explore the present-day site of the ruined castle and hear the compelling stories of those who have journeyed there to reclaim their African heritage. Discover the importance of preserving the remains of even the darkest times of our past in order to change our future. ITF The Marae Gallery is sponsored by Baker & McKenzie. Presentation of this exhibition is made possible by curator Joseph Opala of James Madison University. Lasting Impressions: Chinese Rubbings By Ben Kalinowski, Writer In Jan Ualry, the Museum will unveil Lasting Impressions: Chinese Rubbings from The Field Museum. Rubbings, like the ones featured in the exhibition, have been a vital medium for preserving China’s art, culture, and history for over 1,500 years. The Field Museum is considered to have one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of rubbings in the Western world. Over the past four years, a group of staff and volunteers have restored over 900 rubbings that deteriorated over time. To make a rubbing, a thin sheet of moistened paper is spread KAREN BEAN /GN91259 005D over the surface of an engraved item. The paper is gently pressed into all the incised areas with a broad brush before the artisan takes a mushroom-shaped pad made of cloth, soaked with just the right amount of black ink, and taps it across the entire surface. The higher surface areas turn black while the incised parts remain white in color. When the ink is dry, the artisan peels off the paper from the engraved item. Of the 7,000 rubbings in the Museum’s collection, Lasting Impressions features 20 pieces, each carefully selected by Museum staff. Viewers will notice more than a few similarities between this art form and some practiced in the Western world. For example, many of the rubbings commemorate deceased loved ones, much like headstones at a cemetery. With their cultural significance and artistic beauty, these rubbings are sure to leave a “lasting impression.” ITF This exhibition is supported by The Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation. WINTER 2009/10 * NOVEMBER-FEBRUARY LAB NEWS Fossils in Full View What’s Happening in the McDonald’s Fossil Prep Lab? By Elizabeth Ratchford, Writer Last yeara helicopter gently lifted several large stone blocks from the hills of central Nevada. Today, these blocks are being chiseled away to reveal an ichthyosaur—a gigantic predator of the Mesozoic seas. This painstaking work isn’t happening behind the scenes though. Thanks to the McDonald’s Fossil Preparation Laboratory at The Field Museum, you have the opportunity to see this ancient sea creature come into view for the first time in 260 million years. The nearly complete ichthyosaur was once a 40-foot-long force to be reckoned with; bearing a large set of serrated teeth, the reptile dined mostly on the early ancestors of squid and was able to dive deep into the sea before coming up for air. The fossil was discovered in 1997, but had to be left on site because of its impressive size. Brought back to The Field in 2008, this particular ichthyosaur was soon selected for work in the public lab. According to Jim Holstein, preparator of fossil vertebrates at the Museum, this 1s the perfect opportunity for Chicagoans to “see the grunt work of science.” The fossil prep lab features two full-time staff working daily in public view but this intricate work isn’t done by staff alone. About 10 volunteers— mostly students and retirees— work closely with the staff to remove and clean fossils in the prep lab. After passing a test of hand- eye coordination and undergoing some specialized training, volunteers Above, from left to right: Jim Holstein, help increase the momentum of this painstaking and sometimes slow Debbie Wagner, and Irene Broede work on process. If all goes according to plan, work will be complete 1n late removing the ichthyosaur’s tail from its matrix. 2010 and the ichthyosaur will be in full view. 12 f Following its removal from the matrix, the icithyosaur will be thoroughly studied. Holstein hopes the study of this animal will help answer one of scientists’ most pressing questions: Why did these extremely diversified, well-adapted predators become extinct? Another, perhaps more obtainable goal Field scientists have is to find the ichthyosaur’s “paddles” in the rock matrix. It is with these large fin-like paddles that the giant reptile propelled itself through ancient seas across the globe. During your next Field Museum visit, be sure to stop by the McDonald’s Fossil Preparation Laboratory and see science in action. ITF ‘...you have the opportunity to see this ancient sea creature come into view for the first time in 260 million years.’ OF SPECIAL INTEREST From the Tomb to the Big Screen By Michelle Clayton, Director of Membership Since the exhibition first opened, Inside Ancient Egypt has fascinated visitors by taking them on a thrilling and realistic tour inside the tomb complex of Unis-ankh, son of the 5th Dynasty Egyptian Pharaoh, King Unis. The tomb is fully reconstructed in authentic detail and contains two of the original chambers that were excavated and brought to Chicago from Saqqara, Egypt in 1908. The exhibition begins with visitors entering the upper level of the tomb before descending 35 feet down a spiral staircase to the burial chamber. After exiting the chamber through a grave robbers’ tunnel, a vibrant Egyptian marketplace awaits. Although the exhibition has been explored countless times by museumgoers, there are still many interesting things to be discovered, such as the confession of one of the grave robbers of King Sebekemsat’s tomb, which was extracted by means of torture; a 3,867 year-old royal boat of the Pharaoh, King Sen-wosret III; and a large cobra that lies underneath the boat. Now, the world in which King Unis grew up has been resurrected in the 3D movie Egypt 3D: Secrets of the Mummies, currently playing in the Museum’s Ernst & Young 3D Theater. The film is a fascinating look at ancient Egypt and mummies and features exciting 3D action. Follow explorers and scientists as they piece together the archaeological and genetic clues of Egyptian mummies. Egypt 3D recreates the mysterious world of the pharaohs and the heart-stopping adventure that led to one of the greatest archeological finds in modern history—the 19th century discovery of 40 royal mummies in a single tomb, including Rameses the Great. Scientists in the film perform genetic analysis on mummies in order to learn more about modern human diseases. Mixing beautifully shot locations such as the rocky cliffs of the Northern Sahara with state- of-the-art animated sequences, Egypt 3D: Secrets of the Mummies is a perfect complement to Inside Ancient Egypt. 11F JOHN TESTA & DIANE ALEXANDER WHITE / A110726C ‘Follow explorers and scientists as they piece together the archaeological and genetic clues of Egyptian mummies.’ WINTER 2009/10 * NOVEMBER—-FEBRUARY 13 MUSEUM NEWS A SPECIAL THANK YOU The Field Museum extends special thanks to The Grainger Foundation for its long- standing partnership. For more than 30 years, the Foundation has played a key role at the Museum through its support of exhibitions such as the iconic Grainger Hall of Gems, Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years, and Treasures of the Titans. The Foundation is also the generous sponsor of the latest renovation of the Grainger Hall of Gems as well the exciting exhibition The Nature of Diamonds. In recent years, the Foundation has deepened its commitment to The Field, creating the Grainger Fund for Science to bolster and extend our research efforts in novel directions. “The Grainger Foundation’s gifts have enabled our staff to leverage a wide variety of new research grants, pioneer digital collections projects, and create experimental analysis techniques that are garnering international attention,” says Museum President John McCarter. “Their impact on the Museum will be felt for years to come.” INOHE AED KAREN BEAN /GN91198 03 Celebrate the Holidays at the Museum! Join us for The Women’s Board annual Children’s Holiday Celebration i on Thursday, Dec. 3, from 4-—6:30pm. Children and adults are invited to explore and celebrate the many cultures of Chicago and the world at this \\ festive event. Sing along to holiday favorites performed by the Stu Hirsh Orchestra and marvel at the gravity-detying Jesse White Tumblers. Crafts and entertainment from around the world and a visit with Santa Claus will create a memorable afternoon. Tickets are $15 for adult Museum members, and $10 for children ages 13 and under. Reservations are limited and tickets will not be sold at the door. For tickets or further information please call 312.665.7145. Annual Fund FAQ How is Annual Fund donation spent? Your Annual Fund gift touches every part of the Museum. It allows us to host temporary exhibitions each year, keep our permanent exhibitions like Evolving Planet and Inside Ancient Egypt up to date, and helps fund the scientific and conservation research taking place in over 70 countries worldwide. Your donation also helps allow the Museum to be open 364 days a year, and supports our educational outreach programs, encouraging people of all ages to discover the natural world. What are the benefits of being an Annual Fund donor? Your Annual Fund donation includes all the benefits of a Family Plus membership, plus special behind-the-scenes opportunities to interact with Museum scientists, invitations to intimate donor-only exhibition previews, and the satisfaction of knowing that your tax deductible gift is supporting one of the leading natural history museums in the world. How do I become an Annual Fund donor? It’s easy! You can fill out and send in the envelope found at the center of this magazine, call the Annual Fund office at 312.665.7777, or visit fieldmuseum. org/annualfund. An annual fund donation also makes a great gift! Time to renew your membership? Call 312.665.7700 - M-F 8:30am-—4:30pm Visit fieldmuseum.org/membership Did you know? During 2008, the Museum recycled over 77 tons of waste. always be discovering. The ield useum just for kids! Dioramas at The Field Museum Have you ever made a diorama in school? Using shoeboxes, construction paper, string, and glue, school kids all over the city have made dioramas of the sea, the universe, forests, or deserts. These tiny replicas of the world around us are very similar to the dioramas in The Field Museum. A long time ago, dioramas were one way for people to see animals that weren’t native to Chicago. Though you probably recognize many of the animals at the Museum, the dioramas give you a chance to study an animal for a long time without it running away, as it would in the wild. While looking at the dioramas, be sure to also look at the environment that was created around each animal. It takes both artists and scientists to create these natural settings. Below are some dioramas to capture both your attention and imagination. JOHN WEINSTEIN /294464_23D EINSTEIN / 294460 _ 02D aman) = 2 = 30 Y): ™ iets African Water-Hole When this diorama was unveiled in 1932, it was believed to be the largest diorama in the world. Inside you'll see 23 animals including giraffes, rhinos, and zebras. Be sure to find the tickbird resting on one of the rhinoceroses’ backs! Emperor Penguins These penguins were first on display in Chicago at the Brookfield Zoo, but after they died, were donated to The Field Museum. When this diorama was built in 1936, it was one of the only ones in the country JOHN WEINSTEIN / 294469 13D to feature penguins. <—o Alaskan Brown Bears You’d never want to get this close to live bears, but this diorama allows you to step right up to a family of Alaskan brown bears, one standing at nine feet tall! Be on the lookout for the group of trout the bears have collected for their dinners. e NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE useul PAID 1400 South Lake Shore Drive CHICAGO, IL Chicago, IL 60605-2496 PERMIT NO. 2309 Support The Field Museum While Buying Your Groceries! Make The Field Museum a part of your ths tale wedding with the anening of The Nature een ee an the sree Ellie Thompson, each ring will be custom made in eri gold : nd ci with the stone of your choice. A matching man’s ring will also be a as well as earrings anda pendant —nerfaas for the bride bal os to bring the best assortment we have ever are, ronal affordable to the truly agi My REBECCA REEVES GAINES Hs a ne shop 24 hours a day. remertiees that all see oft support the Apa s public and Pia oh orate 7 JOHN WEINSTEIN /GN92271_0455D 3 aT Oo oa n ms ig’) ia) OF < oO = o oT oO oe QO oO =I SS 3 co — QB x xo) i= a ty wy om nw Tonal > = WHAT DO YOU THINK UT IN THE FIEL