The Museum of Cultural and Natural History at Central Michigan University hosted its first tour through Michigan’s natural history yesterday as part of the museum’s July program, “Tour Tuesdays.”

Jena Johnson, a Hastings senior and a museum student staff member, created “Tour Tuesdays” as a 45-to-60 minute program for people of all ages to enjoy during the summer.

“I know when I was a kid, when July rolled around, I was bored and ready to go back to school,” Johnson said. “(“Tour Tuesdays”) gives something for the kids to do, and the parents love it too because it’s educational.”

Johnson proposed the idea for the summer program to William Pretzer, associate professor of history and director of the Museum of Cultural and Natural History. With Pretzer’s guidance, Johnson was able to make her plans a reality.

“It’s great to see that the museum is asserting itself into the community,” said Sharon Tilman, a Counseling Center faculty member.

Tilman participated in Tuesday’s tour because she saw it covered prehistoric Michigan, a topic in which she wanted to learn more.

As part of the natural history, tour participants learned about the fossils, early animals, and primitive humans that make up Michigan’s past. Afterward, an activity was held for children where they had the opportunity to become archaeologists and excavate chocolate chip cookies.

Merritt resident Heidi Minthorn and her son Lincoln came to the museum to learn more about prehistoric Michigan. They have plans to take advantage of all four tours.

“I really want to be a scientist,” Lincoln Minthorn said while waiting for the tour to begin. “I plan on doing all of them.”

Pretzer counted more than 60 people at the event.

“This demonstrates to us that people in the Mount Pleasant community are interested in the types of services we can provide,” he said.

Next week’s tour focuses on Michigan’s cultural history. The tour will cover early Native American lifestyles through the work of the Civilian Conservations Core, established by Franklin Roosevelt.

The Museum of Cultural and Natural History is located in Rowe Hall. Although not required, reservations for “Tour Tuesdays” can be made by calling 774-3829.

studentlife@cm-life.com

E-mail the author: Ray Nelson