VCU human evolution experts to take part in ‘Exploring Human Origins’ exhibit

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Two Virginia Commonwealth University experts on human evolution and the history of humanity will give talks as part of "Exploring Human Origins," a traveling exhibit created by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History that will be hosted by Chesterfield County Public Library.

The 1,200-square-foot exhibit will be on display at the county's Central Library, 9501 Lori Road in Chesterfield, from March 31 to April 27.

"Exploring Human Origins" features panel discussions, interactive kiosks, hands-on displays, and videos to invite audiences to examine evidence of the evolutionary journey to becoming human, and prompting reflection on the question: "What does it mean to be human?"

Amy Rector Verrelli, Ph.D., an assistant professor of anthropology in the School of World Studies in the College of Humanities and Sciences, and Brian Verrelli, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Department of Biology in the College of Humanities and Sciences, will be featured as part of the exhibit's panel discussions.

"All of the events are designed to generate conversation with the public about human evolution and the history of our species in an open and dynamic way," Amy Rector Verrelli said. "Brian and I really enjoy this type of outreach, because these are topics that many people are not familiar with, or might have misconceptions about, and it's really exciting to get them excited to discuss what we know about where we came from and how we know it."

Smithsonian’s Human Origins Program
Smithsonian’s Human Origins Program

The two professors will take part in several panel discussions, including:

·   "Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to be Human?" which will be held Tuesday, March 31, 7–8:30 p.m. at the Central Library. Brian Verrelli and Rick Potts, Ph.D., exhibition curator and director of the National Museum of Natural History’s Human Origins program, will provide an overview of the latest research in human evolution and an overview of the exhibit.

·   "Exploring Human Origins: Well, Aren’t We Special? What Is So Special About Us as Humans and How We Behave?" which will be held Tuesday, April 7, 3–4:30 p.m. at the Central Library. Amy Rector Verrelli will lead a discussion on the ways in which humans are different from, and possibly still the same, as our ancestors.

·   "Exploring Human Origins: Oh the Humanity! Evidence of Our Origins in Fossils and Genes," which will be held Thursday, April 16, 6:30–7:45 p.m. at Triple Crossing Brewing Company, 113 S. Foushee St. in Richmond. Amy Rector Verrelli and Brian Verrelli will discuss the evidence that exists in our genetic variations and physical environments and how those pieces of evidence influenced our evolution. This program is being held in partnership with Science Pub RVA.

For a full schedule of events, go to: http://library.chesterfield.gov/events/exploringhumanorigins/.

"Exploring Human Origins" will offer the public a unique learning experience, said Carolyn Sears, library services administrator with Chesterfield County Public Library.

"The quality of the exhibit and the programming is top-notch, and the library is the ideal host as a place where people from all walks of life are comfortable and welcomed," she said. "Learning opportunities like this demonstrate that Chesterfield County Public Library is not just a place that promotes free access to a diversity of ideas, but also a place that facilitates the exchange and sharing of those ideas."

Amy Rector Verrelli added she is excited for the opportunity to engage with different audiences interested in human evolution.

"Having the exhibit and talks both at the library and at Science Pub RVA really helps us get at so many types of audiences, and the more we can engage people, the better they'll be able to critically assess and enjoy the materials," she said. "Communicating about the process of science and how we interpret what we find is so important right now, and it's an added bonus to us that we get to talk about it in such fun venues."

 

Feature image at top: courtesy of Smithsonian’s Human Origins Program

 

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