Lancaster is Bugging Out!
Visit North Museum's Imagining Insects exhibition to see what everyone is bugging about!
Nov 5, 2025. LNP Entertainment Section front page coverage.
Fall Fest—Supporting STEM Education and Wildlife Restoration
North Museum’s Fall Fest at Millport Conservancy
benefits STEM Ed and Lititz Run Restoration
Family event Saturday, November 8, 10am–4pm
Families are invited to explore Millport Conservancy’s natural wonders on Saturday, November 8, from 10am to 3pm, as North Museum of Nature and Science and Millport Conservancy present Fall Fest. This 6th annual collaboration between two local non-profits is a fundraising event to support Millport Conservancy’s efforts to restore the Lititz Run stream through soil erosion control, wetlands restoration, and stream management and North Museum’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education programming. The Conservancy’s 75-acre refuge for native wildlife and plant species includes Lititz Run, where preservation efforts have resulted in healthy, wild reproduction of both rainbow and brown trout, which can be found year-round in its waters.
NEW THIS YEAR—LIVE RAFFLE!
Grab a chance to win one of these spectacular experiences.
- Morning Fly Fishing lesson with Tom Herr, valued at $350
- North Museum Birthday Party Rental, valued at $275
- North Museum Family Membership w/gift basket, valued at $200
- Lancaster Bounce House Birthday Rental, valued at $250
- YMCA 3-month Family Membership, including join fee, valued at $279
- Universal Athletic Club 3-month Family Membership, valued at $950
Located at 737 E. Millport Road, the family-friendly event is filled with activities for children of all ages:
- Astronomy Experiments
- Archeological Treasure Dig Pit
- Atomic Selfie Station
- Environmental Science and Sustainability Activities
- Face and Pumpkin Painting
- Lancaster Bird Club Activities
- Live Reptile Petting Zoo
- Bird watching and forest foraging
- Solar Observing
- Veterans’ Recognition
- Food Truck by Gourmet Julie's Way
- Beer & Wine Tasting Room for 21+ with Bierhall Brewing Co. and Fetish Brewing Co.
“Millport Conservancy relies on the generosity of donors to help us protect and preserve the land, the water resources and our heritage.” said Lynn Wohlsen Myers, Executive Director of Millport Conservancy and the daughter of the Conservancy’s founding couple. “Through the success of fundraising efforts like Fall Fest, the Conservancy will continue to be a treasured resource of educational and recreational experiences for students and the public.”
“We're thrilled to hold Fall Fest at Millport again and to continue this successful partnership for a sixth year in our joint effort to raise funds for the restoration of Lititz Run." said Andrea Rush, North Museum CEO. "Our enduring alliance fortifies the missions of both organizations and accelerates our collective impact on the community."
In honor of Veteran’s Day, all Veterans, Active Service Members and First Responders will be admitted free of charge.
BUY TICKETS
Tickets may be purchased in advance or onsite, $20 for adults; $15 for children ages 4–17, free for children under 4.
Fall Fest 2025 sponsors include: Flyway Excavating, Inc., The Sheaffer Family, Marysia & Salvatore Dina, National Novelty Brush Co., Univest Financial, American Crane & Equipment Corp., Cargas, Richard Clark, Ph.D. & Sepi Yalda, Ph.D., First National Bank, Gibbel Kraybill & Hess, LLP, Land Studies, Landis Homes, Sauder’s Eggs, Dr. & Mrs. Charles J. DiComo, and Walters Services
Nov 5, Lititz Record
World Premiere Exhibition: Imagining Insects Opens September, 2025
IMAGINING INSECTS
BUY TICKETS HERE
Sept 2025–Summer 2026
Interactive exhibition includes live enclosures, rare pinned specimens, and 13-foot mantis
(LANCASTER)—From the North Museum of Nature and Science’s 360,000+ objects in its collections, a new exhibition brings forward its cache of Entomology treasures for Imagining Insects, opening on Saturday, September 27. Highlighting Apterygota (wingless insects) and Pterygota (winged insects) species, this show, presented in both English and Spanish languages, includes multiple live insect enclosures and rare and unique pinned specimens from the museum’s Entomology collections.
North Museum’s one-of-a-kind exhibition enables visitors to look closer at insects and marvel at the feats they can achieve and the wondrous ways they have evolved. Imagining Insects, fully curated and designed by North Museum, will explore what it means to be an insect and how we can take inspiration from their lives, bodies, and roles in the environment.
Imagining Insects examines animals from a global level, then scales down to the anatomical structures that make them insects. Visitors will start by learning how and why scientists study insects before viewing insects in a broader human cultural context, then look at insects’ roles in the environment, from what they eat to how they reshape their landscape, to how some have evolved with complex social structures. A wall-mounted 24' long mantis replica reveals even more about insect anatomy and how their bodies are built.
North Museum’s Exhibits and Collections Manager Molly Wolanski explains,
“Visitors to the exhibition will learn answers to curious questions, like why do bumblebees buzz? Why are some bugs shiny? How do beetles climb walls and stick to surfaces? How can insects inspire you to create a better future? This is an opportunity to see unique specimens from the depths of the museum’s collections.”
The show will fascinate both adults and children of all ages, with interactive bug goggles, microscope, and art activities. Imagining Insects continues through Summer 2026.
Exhibition sponsors are Dr. Richard M. Fantazier, in memory of Robert J. Fantazier, and Oaktree Development Group.
Content Contributors: Jonathan Fantazier; Josh Kulak; Peter Licona
GSK Science in Summer–Success!
LANCASTER, PA AREA STUDENTS STEP INTO THE ROLE OF ATHLETIC TRAINERS, CARDIOLOGISTS, DIETITIANS, AND MORE WITH FREE SUMMER SCIENCE PROGRAM
GSK Science in the Summer™ Camps a Success in 2025. Over 7% more student participation compared to 2024.
Lancaster, PA. August 8 — GSK Science in the Summer™, a free science program for students in grades 2 through 6, returned in 2025 with a new theme: Be a Health Scientist!
This summer, nearly 1,000 children in the Lancaster area joined thousands more GSK Science in the Summer™ students nationwide as they learned the importance of space science through fun, hands-on, age-appropriate experiments at local community organizations. That's an increase in student participation by over 7% when compared to 2024!
The 100% free STEM enrichment program offered students the unique opportunity to become real scientists and engineers, engaging in hands-on activities that, in 2025, brought the world of health science to life. They discovered different career paths, from athletic trainer to epidemiologist, solved real-life problems, and built critical thinking skills—all while asking big questions like, what affects our health? How can we prevent illness? How do we help people heal?
Supported by GSK and led by The Franklin Institute, the program was administered through: Lampeter-Strasburg SD, Lancaster Public Library, Manheim Township Parks, The Mix, and YMCA of the Roses. The 100% free STEM enrichment program, now in its 39th year, estimates a reach of 23,400 students across 450 organizations in under-resourced communities while it provided professional training to approximately 500 educators, helping them develop skills to provide high-quality informal STEM experiences for youth nationwide.
Through hands-on activities, students took on the roles of athletic trainers, cardiologists, dietitians, epidemiologists, and orthopedic doctors. They designed tools to unclog arteries, test beverages for vitamin C, track how illness spreads through communities, and more—all while practicing scientific skills like observation and hypothesis testing.
Each Be a Health Scientist! activity told a story that invited students to play the role of someone in that field.
Be an Athletic Trainer: Members of a sports team report various knee problems during training. Students tested the strength and mobility of their knee joints using models and chose appropriate training exercises for each player to improve their knee function.
Be a Cardiologist: A person with heart problems has been diagnosed with a blockage in one of their arteries. Students used a model to investigate how the blockage affects blood flow in the artery and then designed a tool to clear the blockage and improve the patient’s blood flow.
Be a Dietitian: A patient needs more Vitamin C in their diet but struggles to find ways to get it. Students tested the Vitamin C content of drinks to see which one(s) can help the patient the most.
Be an Epidemiologist: An illness is spreading through a school community, and it is the student’s job to find out what is going on. They used a model to explore how illnesses spread, locate the source, and suggest ways to prevent it from spreading further.
Be an Orthopedic Doctor: A hockey player has broken a tibia bone in their lower leg. Students designed and tested a solution for keeping the broken bone aligned and supported while it heals.
GSK Science in the Summer™ was created in Philadelphia as part of GSK’s commitment to supporting accessible STEM education, and the program has reached more than 400,000 children across the US since its launch.
“By bringing scientific concepts to life through fun, hands-on learning opportunities, GSK Science in the Summer™ gives students tangible examples of the types of STEM career paths they can pursue in their future,” said Maya Martinez-Davis, President, US at GSK. “We see the power of science in action every day at GSK, and we’re proud to help inspire the next generation of scientists through this program.”
“GSK Science in the Summer™ aims to increase youth interest and confidence in doing science and pursuing STEM careers, especially those in under-resourced communities,” said Dr. Darryl Williams, Senior Vice President of Science, Education, and HR at The Franklin Institute. “The Franklin Institute recognizes that when youth have high-quality, positive STEM experiences outside of the school setting with educators with whom they closely identify, it increases their positive STEM identity and allows them to see themselves as belonging in science, and year after year, this program excels at doing that."
The Franklin Institute develops the GSK Science in the Summer™ curriculum, freely available at scienceinthesummer.fi.edu.
Note to Editors/Press Kit: Be A Health Scientist! Images
North Museum of Nature and Science
Now in its 72nd year, the North Museum of Nature and Science impacts thousands of central Pennsylvania students and their families annually through its education initiatives in the Museum, in the community, and at home. Programs include field trips, early childhood education programs, summer camps, the Science and Engineering Fair for middle and high school students, and many other educational programs designed to create access to free and reduced-cost STEM learning opportunities, and strengthen the foundation of youth in the Lancaster community and beyond.
The Franklin Institute
Located in the heart of Philadelphia, The Franklin Institute is a renowned and innovative leader in the field of science and technology learning, as well as a dynamic center of activity. As Pennsylvania’s most visited museum, it is dedicated to creating a passion for learning about science by offering access to hands-on science education. For more information, visit www.fi.edu.
GSK
GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together. For further information, please visit www.us.gsk.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Stefanie Santo, The Franklin Institute, 215.448.1152, ssanto@fi.edu
Kate Kanaby, GSK, 484.843.0993, kate.l.kanaby@gsk.com
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The Art Gallery posts Open Call For Art—Entry Deadline: Sept 12
OPEN CALL FOR ART — HEXAPODAN DAYS
Insects surround us. Whether beneficially pollinating our gardens or spreading disease, insects leave their mark. They forage, they swarm, they camouflage, they predate. They communicate and learn socially, they metamorphosize, they create a hive mind. They help us mark the seasons, they challenge our picnics, and inspire us to create science fiction movie monsters. Gardens are habitat for insects. They are mini ecosystems or even wild places within the footprint of our domestic space. From as small as a container to as large as a meadow, the garden is a refuge for wildlife and a place to contemplate nature.
Does your work look to the natural world and our place within it? Do you contemplate the future of biodiversity in our wild spaces?
Artist Luke Jerram says, “Referencing the stained glass windows and bell towers of the Duomo in Florence, Palm Temple is both an experimental optical pavilion and a contemplation space designed for the public to consider the impact humanity is having on nature.”
Where do you go to contemplate nature? When you look to insects what do you find? When have you felt awe in the presence of Hexapoda?
The North Museum of Nature & Science invites regional artists to explore their relationship to the insect world, gardens, and our greater impact on biodiversity found within wild spaces more broadly. Diverse interpretations are encouraged. All details and requirements are in the Application Form below.
Eligible Work: Original 2d artworks created within the last three years solely by the artist.
Eligible mediums include:
- Paintings
- Drawings
- Pastel
- Collage
- Mixed media
- Monotypes
- Etching
- Photography
- Digital photography
- Digital painting
- Low relief works that project no more than about 4 inches from the wall.
ART SUBMISSION FORM LINKED HERE
Entry Deadline: Sept 12
Jury results: Sept 16
Exhibit: Oct 2–Jan 5
Molly Wolanski, Exhibits and Collections Manager
Welcome our new Live Animal Room Resident...
Welcome Hisstopher, the Plains hognose snake!
Our heartfelt thanks to Jason at @hog_alchemy for generously donating our new hognose snake—the newest Live Animal Room resident! This baby western hognose snake made his public debut on August 4 after we asked you, our visitors, to vote for his new name.
Species info:
Plains hognose snakes (Heterodon nasicus) are native to North America, especially around the Great Plains region, in areas with loose, sandy soil. Toads are their preferred prey, but they have also been documented eating other things such as amphibians, small rodents, and eggs. When hognose snakes feel threatened, they flatten their head and neck, hiss, and bluff strike. If that doesn’t give a predator pause, they may play dead! This performance includes writhing around, musking, and finally freezing belly-up until the threat passes.
What makes Hissstopher special:
Hissstopher was donated to the North Museum by Jason at Hog Alchemy in July 2025. He hatched on May 29th, 2025, so he’s just a baby! He is a little nervous around people still, but is quickly adjusting to museum life.
LEARN MORE about Hisstopher and all of the 20+ Live Animal Room residents!
Response to Executive Orders
North Museum Response to Executive Orders
The list below is a record of North Museum responses or mentions as they pertain to the president's executive orders to reduce or cut federal budgets.
June 8, 2025
LNP Opinion: The Gutting of Science in the US Could be Catastrophic
by RICHARD D. CLARK | Vice President of North Museum of Nature and Science Board of Directors
In March, 2025 President Donald Trump signed an executive order that directed IMLS and six other federal agencies to “be eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law.” Thereafter, IMLS placed its entire 70-member staff on administrative leave. Here is a list of news clips where North Museum was quoted or referenced in connection to that news.
April 13, 2025
3 views of how actions in DC are affecting Lancaster County residents
by SAM BRESSI I LNP Op-Ed
April 13, 2025
LNP's online editorial regarding the impact of IMSL
by SARAH NICELL | Staff Writer
April 11, 2025
Tens of thousands of dollars revoked in Lancaster County as Trump dismantles humanities agency
by SARAH NICELL | Staff Writer
Apr 5, 2025
LNP - Financial Flog, Local Library and Museum Officials Continplate Uncertain Future if Government Money Dries Up
by SARAH NICELL | Staff Writer
April 3, 2025
LNP - Distress for Lancaster County museums and libraries as Trump dismantles federal agency
by SARAH NICELL | Staff Writer
Lancaster Science Fair Winner—Now International Winner!
Hempfield High School Student Brings Home Top Honors at the World’s Largest International Science Competition
Hempfield High School junior Ethan Albright was awarded 3rd place in the Materials Science category at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) last week, held in Columbus, Ohio. His winning project, “Reel Problems. Reel Solutions. Combating Microplastics in Aquatic Ecosystems with Biodegradable Fishing Lures,” had earned Albright the Senior Division Champion award at the North Museum Science & Engineering Fair (NMSEF) in March 2025.
NMSEF’s 2025 Grand Champion Ansh Dwivedi, a senior at Warwick High School, also competed at ISEF, which is the world’s largest international science competition for pre-college students.
The two Lancaster County students traveled to Columbus to compete among 1,657 other students from 63 countries. North Museum paid all registration fees, travel and accommodation expenses to provide the two winning student competitors with this opportunity.
Albright’s win marks the first finalist award for an NMSEF champion since 2017. He is the son of Jennifer and Justin Albright. Warwick High School chemistry teacher Doug Balmer, who accompanied the two students to ISEF, noted the support of local educational resources in the students’ preparations.
“Millersville University allowed Ansh to use its scanning electronic microscope (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) free of charge,” he said, “and Ethan was able to come to Warwick and use the infrared spectrometer (IR) and poster plotter.”
The 2026 Science & Engineering Fair will be held at Millersville University on Thursday, March 12, 2026, and is one of just six fairs in Pennsylvania associated with ISEF. Students from every public school district in Lancaster and Lebanon Counties, as well as all private, charter, online and home schools are invited to enter the competition. Next year’s competition will begin with registration in October 2025, and is free of charge to all participating students.
The NMSEF has been a staple of science education in Lancaster County for 72 years, inspiring thousands of young researchers to create, design and discover the joys of science and engineering through their projects.
North Museum’s Cosmic Bash is supporting STEM Education by “Powering the Future.”
North Museum’s Cosmic Bash is supporting STEM Education by “Powering the Future.”
Saturday, May 17 at Foundry48, Lititz
(LANCASTER)—The innovative ways we can source renewable energy on planet earth will be featured at North Museum’s biggest fundraiser of the year, Cosmic Bash, presented by Atomic, on Saturday, May 17. Tickets are now available at northmuseum.org/cosmic-bash/. Hosted by WGAL News8 anchor and award-winning reporter Susan Shapiro, the event benefits the museum’s many STEM education programs, and includes a silent auction reception, an irresistible live auction, scientific exhibits, a gourmet dining experience curated by Rettew’s Catering, and live music by Temple Avenue Jazz.
“Guests at this year’s Cosmic Bash will embark on an unforgettable adventure as we continue our mission of inspiring curiosity, discovery and a lifelong appreciation of nature, science and cultures,” said North Museum’s CEO Andrea Rush. “All sponsorships, donations, and monies raised will crucially benefit free and reduced-cost STEM education programs for children in Lancaster County and central Pennsylvania.”
Single tickets for the Cosmic Bash are $175, available by clicking here. The 10th annual signature fundraiser is presented by ATOMIC.
Sponsors include: Atomic / First National Bank / Rhoads Energy / EnerSys / Anne & David Lloyd / Pippa & Tom McPhillips / Susan & Richard Seavey / Jim Steltz / Lancaster County Workforce Development Board / American Crane & Equipment Corporation / Marysia & Salvatore Dina / Richard Clark, Ph.D. & Sepi Yalda, Ph.D. / Fulton Bank / Bernadette & Eugene Gardner / Hall Media Solutions / High Companies / Lancaster Country Day School / Dr. Clark McSparren / Northwest Bank / Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health / Richter Precision / RKL, LLP / Trout CPA / WEBBER/SMITH Associates / Cargas / ELA Group, Inc. / American Society for Military Engineers, Philadelphia Post / Garber Metrology / RETTEW / Dr. Victoria & Steve Zuckerman / Linda & Doug Weidman /Eudora Roseman / Turner Buick GMC / Hummer Turfgrass Systems, Inc. / Regupol America, LLC / Sauder's Eggs / Ron & Diane Umble / Radius Mobile Bike Shop
Media Sponsor: WGAL 8 / Uproot Creative Services / Sam Soliman Photography /
Now in its 73rd year, the North Museum impacts thousands of local students and their families annually through its education initiatives in the Museum, in the community, and at home. Programs include field trips, early childhood education programs, summer camps, STEM Sisters, the Science and Engineering Fair for middle and high school students, and many other educational programs designed to create access to free and reduced-cost STEM learning opportunities and strengthen the foundation of youth in the Lancaster community and beyond.
GSK Science in the Summer–Back for 2025!
GSK supported and in collaboration with The Franklin Institute's curriculum, the 2025 program will focus on Health Sciences.
The program, in its 39th year, has reached an estimated 23,400 nationwide!
Are you an organization looking to host a summer science camp? Look no further! North Museum of Science and Nature connects organizations looking to host a summer camp at their location with Science in the Summer curriculum, materials, and training.
Last year 902 area students, ranging from Pre-K through grade 12, completed GSK's (GlaxoSmithKline's) Science in the Summer™ program! That was a record number of attendees, increasing the impact of this already popular seasonal program.
This summer's theme will be "Health Sciences," and it will offer students the unique opportunity to step into the shoes of real scientists and engineers, engaging in exciting hands-on activities that bring the world of health science to life. Students will discover different career paths, from dietitian to orthopedic doctor, and develop their scientific thinking skills in a fun and interactive way.
Download the Health Sciences Overview
This program is made possible by a generous grant from GSK and with curriculum developed by The Franklin Institute.
The North Museum, GSK, and the Franklin Institute are longtime collaborators on the Science in the Summer program, which primarily targets students in grades 2 through 6, with an emphasis on reaching those from underserved communities and lower income households.
"Thanks to GSK and the Franklin Institute we were able to reach over 900 students last summer,” says Kate Wilson, Senior Manager, Visitor & Volunteer Services. “This free program offers a hands-on look at various STEM careers which many students did not even know existed! Now they might want to pursue those paths in the future. This is an opportunity some of the members of our community would not normally have access to due to financial and other constraints. We look forward to offering this program each year, and can't wait for 2025!"
As a leader in STEM education and advocacy, the North Museum is proud to present GSK's Science in the Summer™ program to the community for many years, and is deeply grateful to GSK for their ongoing commitment to enriching the community through the utilization of and access to quality STEM education programs, and the exceptional curriculum provided by the Franklin Institute.
If your organization has an interest in participating in GSK's 2025 Science in the Summer™ program, presented by the North Museum, please contact Kate Wilson, Senior Manager, Visitor & Volunteer Services at 717.358.4116, kwilson@northmuseum.org.