Springfield Museums presents Wolf to Woof exhibit

Jan. 29, 2016 |

Wolf to Woof: The Story of Dogs will be at the Springfield Science Museum Jan. 30 to May 12.
Reminder Publications submitted photo

SPRINGFIELD – In today’s society, dogs enhance the lives of millions of people in countless ways, but they are also some of our oldest friends. Ancient clues like cave paintings and burials reveal that dogs and people have lived together for thousands of years. But why have humans formed such close relationships with dogs, and not cows or chickens?

Wolf to Woof: The Story of Dogs is the largest and most comprehensive traveling exhibition ever created on the history, biology and evolution of dogs. The exhibit, on view at the Springfield Science Museum from Jan. 30 to May 12, attempts to “sniff out” the facts on dogs and explores what makes the human/dog relationship so unique. It uses the familiarity and love of these four-legged friends to explore science and biological concepts.

The exhibit has four themed sections including multi-media displays, artifacts, photo murals, and dioramas of taxidermied wild canines and sculpted modern dog breeds.  Additionally interactive, hands-on components demonstrate key exhibit concepts.  For example, visitors can enter a “howling area” and guess what dogs are saying, test their nose against a dog’s great sense of smell, and examine fossil and genetic evidence of how modern day dogs are descended from wolves.

The Museums have planned a variety of programs in conjunction with exhibit, starting with an Opening Celebration on Jan. 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The day’s events will include a performance by magician Greg McAdams and his dog Axel, animal demonstrations by Rae Griffiths of Teaching Creatures, and themed art and science activities. All of the above events are free with museum admission; there is a $5 special exhibit fee for visitors ages 3 and up to view Wolf to Woof in addition to Museum admission.

In addition, the weekly Museums à la Carte lecture on Thursday, March 17 will feature a talk by Eliot D. Rusman, president and CEO, Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation. Tickets for the March 17 lecture are $4 for the general public and $2 for members.

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