Editor’s Note: This story has been corrected to include the proper spelling of the hosting building.

Looking for a spooktacular way to spend an October night while expanding your knowledge of science?

From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., this Thursday, campus collections and several clubs, ranging from the Bug Club to the Integrative Biology Club, will be taking over Cordley Hall to put on the annual science-focused and Halloween-themed Night at the Museum event. 

According to an email response, Night at the Museum volunteer coordinator chair Athena DeGennaro says the event will include a “spooky Halloween atmosphere, hands-on activities, and an incredible array of specimens to explore.” 

The ichthyology, herbarium, arthropod, herbarium, vertebrate collections and the OSU Arboretum are set to display specimens — ranging from plants to fish to snakes — at the event. 

According to Eric Cole, an academic advisor and an Integrative Biology Club Co-Faculty Advisor, the event — now in its third consecutive year — originated from a conversation between Christopher Marshall, Oregon State Arthropod Collection Curator, and a colleague, who took inspiration from a book published in a natural history museum in Germany to create a unified event showcasing the various collections. 

Ultimately, the conversations led them to working with the Integrative Biology Club and other campus organizations to create a “deadweek Night at the Museum” event to showcase ‘dead things’ while serving as a means of engaging the community with the work that collections across campus do.

The event has continued with its aim to highlight the various collections across campus and exhibit specimens that are often not seen by the public, while also serving as a means for natural history and science outreach to the community at large. It has also focused on highlighting clubs and opportunities for students. 

The event has continued to evolve and grow. 

According to DeGennaro and Cole, this year’s event will feature new clubs and organizations, such as Oceans11, the Astronomy Club, the Biochemistry Club and the library’s special collections.

Both DeGennaro and Cole said that feedback for the event has been positive and that Night at the Museum is looked forward to by volunteers, members of clubs and attendees.

The process of preparing stations and organizing the event begins months in advance of the night itself. Cole notes that planning starts in the winter term and that designing an interpretation station proposal for a collection provides experiential learning and valuable skills. 

Cole encourages students interested in science outreach to get involved in participating clubs and in planning the event.

“We find that students who are interested in conveying science to a vast array of audiences truly enjoy this event,” Cole said in an email response. 

“PLUS, who does not want to see some really cool specimens that you may never get to see.”

DeGennaro encourages community members of all stripes to head out to Cordley to experience this year’s Night at the Museum.

“Whether you’re a science major, a Halloween enthusiast, or just curious, there’s something for everyone. The energy is incredible, the specimens are fascinating, and the people who make it happen genuinely care about sharing their passion with the community,” DeGennaro said.

“Come ready to explore, learn, and have fun, it’s going to be an unforgettable night!”

More information about this year’s Night at the Museum event can be found here.