Meet at Vulcan Materials Quarry in Sycamore. We'll learn about fossils and mining and then head into the field to find our own fossils--keep whatever you find! Space is limited and program fills quickly; call 815-895-9777 to register. Payment must be taken at registration. Non-members: $20/person or $55 for a family of 3-4 Members: $18/person or $50 for a family of 3-4 Ages 6 and up (children must have an adult present) www.mmnh.org

Janie Grillo from Monarch Watch gives a presentation about Monarch Butterflies. She'll bring Monarchs in all stages of life: eggs, caterpillar, chrysalis, and adult. After the program we'll do a butterfly release outside (weather permitting). Great for ages 6 to adult. Non-members: $4/person (child or adult), PLUS Museum admission Members: $3/person (child or adult) No registration required, but come early for a good seat www.mmnh.org

Work with staff to care for the Museum's live reptiles. You'll learn how to prepare diets, feed, and handle snakes, lizards, and more! Designed for ages 10 and up. Under 12 yrs must have adult on-site (in the class or in the Museum). Non-members: $18/child Members: $15/child Small class size, space is limited and registration required one week before class: 815-895-9777

Celebrate the holidays with Gary and his Cowboy Horse Dusty. Bring your camera to get a picture with Dusty. Participate in historical multi-cultural activities and customs of the season. Take home holiday ornaments you make and enjoy a holiday treat.

Broadly explores the responses by Africans, Native Americans, and Europeans in the age of colonial exploration, as each struggled to comprehend the other. Museum admission - Tickets: $9/adults; $7/senior citizens and students; $6/children ages 3-18; free for children under 3. Free admission (for MA residents only) on Sun. mornings 9-noon, except for groups, and free admission on Wed. afternoons, Sept.-May, 3-5 PM. A price increase is in effect as of Sept. 1, 2012: $12/adults; $10/seniors (65+); $10 non-Harvard students (with ID); $8/ages 3-18; under 3 free.

Explores how photographic innovations helped anthropologists expand the study of world cultures with photographs, cameras, and video. Museum admission - Tickets: $9/adults; $7/senior citizens and students; $6/children ages 3-18; free for children under 3. Free admission (for MA residents only) on Sun. mornings 9-noon, except for groups, and free admission on Wed. afternoons, Sept.-May, 3-5 PM. A price increase is in effect as of Sept. 1, 2012: $12/adults; $10/seniors (65+); $10 non-Harvard students (with ID); $8/ages 3-18; under 3 free.

Shows how today’s Harvard students understand the role of the Indian College and student life in Harvard’s early years. Student archaeologists unearthed evidence of colonial Harvard as a landscape shaped by social and religious tensions. Museum admission - Tickets: $9/adults; $7/senior citizens and students; $6/children ages 3-18; free for children under 3. Free admission (for MA residents only) on Sun. mornings 9-noon, except for groups, and free admission on Wed. afternoons, Sept.-May, 3-5 PM. A price increase is in effect as of Sept.

Features conservators working in the Hall of the North American Indian gallery on historic Alutiiq kayaks and more. (Through June 30, 2013: Mondays from 12 to 3 PM, Tuesdays and Wednesdays 2 to 5 PM. Special hours Monday, September 10, 2012: 11 AM to 2 PM) Free with Museum admission. Tickets: $9/adults; $7/senior citizens and students; $6/children ages 3-18; free for children under 3. Free admission (for MA residents only) on Sun. mornings 9-noon, except for groups, and free admission on Wed. afternoons, Sept.-May, 3-5 PM. A price increase is in effect as of Sept.