The Yale Peabody Museum has just reopened after a four-year renovation. (It's actually not entirely open yet still--the third floor, which will include the North American dioramas, minerals, earth & space, and the Hall of the Pacific, as well as the gift shop, are still "coming soon," which the museum staff says should be in the next few weeks. It's still worth seeing and I will probaby be back sooner rather than later to check out what I missed!)

When you arrive, you are greeted by a familly of Geosternbergia, a type of pterosaur. The flying reptiles are a good start--and from there you can see a whole exhibit on climate change, how humans have influenced our environment, and of course, everyone's favorite, the Hall of Dinosaurs.

I liked the second floor just as much--the materials on the history of science and technology are fascinating, and I also loved seeing the ancient artifacts from Egypt, Mesopotamia, Mesoamerica, and the Andes.

One of my very favorite things was the world's oldest known written recipe: a clay tablet from the Old Babylonian Period, dated appoximately 1900 to 1600 BCE, which explained how to make stew of lamb. In translation: "Meat is used. You prepare water. You add fat. You ad fine-grained salt, dried barley cakes, onion, Persian shallot, and milk. [You crush] (and add) leek and garlic."

One of the things I found most impressive was Yale University's self-examination and self-criticism. The museum exhibits are very forthright on the issue of women's and minorities' contributions to natural history and their past exclusion from the narrative. There are also some chilling depictions of the horrors of eugenics and how Yale and other instiutions were complicit in racist practices, and profited by slave labor. One exhibit is flatly labeled, "Slavery and Yale Science" and subheaded "The dehumanizing institution of slavery contributed to funding and shaping Yale science." They are making a clear committment to doing better and sharing the past, both good and bad, for the next generation of students, and for all who come to see the museum.

What I also really appreciated is that the Peabody is free and open to the public. You need tickets to be admitted, which you should reserve in advance with a date and time. Although that makes spontaneity a bit harder, it makes the museum experience a lot more pleasant, as it will not be too crowded and each visitor will have the opportunity to see and engage with the collections in a meaningful way. (There are a few tickets available each day for walk-in visitors but it's better to be prepared!)

It's a great place to spend a few hours (with or without kids) and when you get hungry, you can always go check out one of New Haven's famous pizzerias for sustenance.

ADDRESS: 170 Whitney Ave, New Haven, CT

PHONE: (203) 432-8987

HOURS: closed Mondays, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays, noon to 5:00 pm Sundays

https://peabody.yale.edu