Sternberg Museum of Natural History
Sternberg Museum of Natural History invites residents to a galaxy far, far away when it hosts Star Wars Day on Saturday, Sept. 9.
The event, which will take place from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., will feature members of two costume groups from Kansas City and Wichita dressed as Star Wars characters.
According to Ian Trevethan, Sternberg education outreach director, the different costume characters will be located throughout the museum along with museum employees who will be on hand to discuss some of the educational aspects planned for the day.
“I like to talk about the zoology of the creatures from Star Wars, but also focus on a bit of geology like planetary geology,” he said. “Different volunteers will be set-up at stations to talk about the fictional animals seen in the movies and compare them to those that actually existed many years ago. For example, the mammoth we have on display was an ice age animal, and I would compare it to the fictional Taunton that I built and discuss how these animals adapted to colder weather.”
Other activities include a kids’ costume contest, as well as a photo booth at which at which visitors will have the opportunity to have their photos taken with their favorite Star War characters. There will also be kid-friendly activities offered as well as unique props and displays.
“For example, I bring in my 1970 and 80s spaceship collection and put it on display, and we have fun decorations throughout the museum,” Trevethan said.
Trevethan said it’s been several years since the last Star Wars event.
“It was the year before COVID, and at that point, it had become a really big deal,” Trevethan said. “I think we had about 500 people that day. Usually on average, when we do a Star Wars, we get pretty good numbers, so we'll see what we get this year.
“Overall, the idea to get people through the door of the museum and give them an opportunity to have a really fun, outside of the box experience that they wouldn't normally have,” he added. “I don't want to totally throw out the education and science part, but I do want to encourage people to just let go and have a good time. Hopefully, we can unlock people’s imagination, which is important when it comes to critically examining the world around us. We just want people to have a unique experience, have some fun and perhaps learn a few things along the way.”