Despite the rain, guests from across the state flocked to Gainesville for Museum Fest to celebrate and connect with the Florida Museum of Natural History before it temporarily closes in late March.

On Saturday, March 8th, more than 1,600 visitors attended the Florida Museum of Natural History’s Museum Fest to explore museum exhibits before it closes to the public for renovations. Attendees traveled from all over Florida to meet museum scientists and educators, tour the museum’s collections, and explore the museum itself.

TESI Interns guide visitors through springs-themed Tic-Tac-toe trivia.

TESI intern Patricia Escobar Torres talks to visitors about the Florida springs.

Environmental Communicator Patricia prepares a Springs Pictionary board for visitors to springs plants and animals on.

Gulf Scholars Interns Abigail and Riley talk to visitors about the Florida springs.

Visitors strolling through the exhibits could stop at tables with museum scientists to learn about their research. Scientists and educators from various museum departments were present, including the Thompson Earth Systems Institute (TESI), which had a table at the entrance to promote their ‘The Swamp for the Springs’ program. This initiative aims to educate the UF community about Florida’s springs and how to protect these vital resources. TESI hosted activities like Springs Pictionary and Tic-Tac-Toe Trivia where visitors drew different plants and animals found at the springs and competed with friends to test their springs knowledge. The TESI table also showcased museum specimens of fish species that can be spotted in Florida’s springs, including the Atlantic stingray, mosquitofish, and common snook from the Florida Museum Ichthyology collection. Finally, visitors could sign The Swamp for the Springs pledge and commit to individual and community actions to protect Florida’s springs.

Visitors at Museum Fest could expand on their springs knowledge by visiting the Water Shapes Florida Exhibit, complete with simulated glass bottom boat tour! On March 24th, the Florida Museum will close for renovations until 2026. In the meantime, the Museum and TESI will host outreach events in Gainesville and at the University of Florida. Stay tuned for what’s next!