The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History traveling exhibit is open from February 4 to May 14, 2025. 

Leawood, KS — Saint Paul School of Theology will host the traveling exhibit "Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human?" after the seminary was selected through a national competition offered by the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) and the American Library Association (ALA). 

"Saint Paul is very excited to be one of just six theological seminaries in the country to be selected to host this unique and fascinating exhibit," said seminary Exhibit Coordinator Dr. Nancy Howell. "No one will want to miss seeing the seminary transformed into a science museum, and we have an impressive line-up of programs planned, with offerings for university students, clergy, teachers, and other adults. Visitors of all ages are invited to tour the exhibit, and the seminary welcomes school groups. We hope everyone will join us in a conversation about what it means to be human."  

In addition, scientists and other experts from the NMNH Human Origins Program will visit the Saint Paul Kansas Campus to host events on campus and online for the community, including a science program, educator workshop, community conversations, clergy tour, and more. To register for events, visit spst.edu/special-events/.  

Through panels, interactive kiosks, hands-on displays, and videos, "Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human?" invites viewers of all ages to explore and learn about the milestones in the evolutionary journey of becoming human. The traveling exhibit encourages a public conversation that invites multiple perspectives on what it means to be human — one that embraces the ideas and beliefs of non-scientists and fosters a greater appreciation of the complexity of the science of human evolution.  

The exhibit will open at Saint Paul School of Theology on February 4, 2025, and close on May 14, 2025. 

Saint Paul School of Theology Kansas Campus is located at 13720 Roe Ave, Building C, Leawood, KS 66224. The exhibit is free and open to the public. We are happy to offer group tours to schools, churches, and other interested parties. Please get in touch with Dr. Nancy Howell (howellnr@spst.edu) to schedule your group's visit. For more information on exhibit hours and a schedule of events, visit spst.edu/special-events/ or call 913-253-5000. 

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Exploring Human Origins: Promoting a National Conversation on Human Evolution is administered by ALA's Public Programs Office in collaboration with the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History's (NMNH) Human Origins Program. 

Saint Paul School of Theology is a seminary serving a diverse community dedicated to forming leaders for innovative, creative ministry. Our integrated theological education, enriched by faith and social justice, combines real-world experience with academic rigor. With a FLEX schedule that includes on-campus, online, and hybrid learning, our Master's and Doctorate programs offer a customized education shaped by dedicated faculty, experienced pastors, and community leaders. Upon graduating, students leave with the tools and first-hand experience to follow many paths to ministry, service, and leadership within their community and worldwide.