The mortal experience is one that all mankind can relate to — but what exactly does it mean to be human?
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, based in Washington, D.C., is trying to engage the community and answer that question in the St. Louis area.
The museum is bringing its traveling exhibit called "Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human?" to Eden Theological Seminary in Webster Groves. The exhibit will be open to the public starting Tuesday.
Mary Schaller Blaufuss, vice president for advancement and strategic partnerships at the seminary, said the Smithsonian chose the location as one of the final stops on the human origins exhibition tour, free of charge to the seminary and free for the public. She noted that the American Library Association is also a sponsor for the museum's exhibit.
The educational display aligns with the seminary's values, she said.
"The exhibit really does correspond to the progressive theology that we teach here at the seminary, and so it really is a good fit for being able to see what the relationship between science and evolution and theology is and can be," Blaufuss said.
When attendees enter the main academic building on campus on East Lockwood Avenue — the one with the large tower — they'll notice the opening of the exhibit features a variety of skulls from different time periods. A Neanderthal mother feeding and taking care of her toddler can be seen in the main room of the display.
Schaller said attendees can also expect to see large exhibit panels, some of which are interactive digitally.
"Some of them have some Post-it notes that you can add to it, and it really takes you through a chronology of the origins of the human species," Schaller said.
According to the Smithsonian, the exhibition is designed to highlight the emergence of the defining features of homo sapiens, and how its relationship to the natural world has evolved over time. This includes milestones in the evolutionary journey of becoming modern-day humans — from walking upright, creating technology and living in different climates, to developments of the human brain, society, and language, the museum states on its website.
"We are so excited that Eden Theological Seminary has been selected to host this unique and fascinating exhibit," said Deborah Krause, Eden's president. "You won't want to miss seeing the Luhr Reading Room in the Press Academic Building transformed into a science museum, and we have an impressive lineup of programs planned at the end of September."
Scientists and other experts from the museum's Human Origins Program will visit seminary to host events for the community, including a science program, theological discussions and community conversations.
The traveling exhibit will be at the seminary from Tuesday through Dec. 15. It is free and open to the public between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
A science talk with Rick Potts, director of the Smithsonian museum's Human Origins Program, will be held at the seminary from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 28. A guided exhibit tour will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 29.
Both events are available on campus and online. Those interested can register here.
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