Events and News
The Gillespie has events year-round. Monthly Science Cafés feature presentations on a range of science and environmental topics, and monthly Science Saturdays offer hands-on educational fun for scientists of all ages.
Check out our upcoming events at the museum!
Spring 2023
Open April 15 - May 31!
New Spring 2023 Exhibit! Tuesdays through Fridays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The Bone Wars: Museums, Fossils, & National Identity - Learn about the Bone Wars (1870s to 1910s), a period of hyper-competitive national and international fossil-hunting in this installation based on Gillespie Museum student staffer Katie Wedderstrand's senior research project. On display through May 31, 2023 in the museum.
Open Now! - May 31
New Spring 2023 Exhibit! Tuesdays through Fridays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. in the RELC
Wonders of the Webb Telescope - Explore your universe in the Gillespie's latest out-of-this-world exhibit on the Webb Space Telescope images. On display in the Evironmental Gallery in the Rinker Environmental Learning Center (RELC), adjacent to the museum. Open for viewing during regular museum hours, except when classes, field trips, & special events are in session.
Open Now! - May 31
Tuesdays through Fridays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Minerals in the Artist's Palette - Come check out this new exhibit investigating the use of natural mineral pigments in art across the ages and around the globe. On display through May 31, 2023 in the museum.
January 26 - Science Cafe
Developed Shorelines and Climate Change with Dr. Robert S. Young, Director, Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines, Western Carolina University; 6 p.m. in the RELC adjacent to the museum, 5:30 for snacks/social.
Cultural Credit available for Stetson undergraduates.
February 11 - Science Saturday
We Love Rocks & Minerals! 10 a.m. - noon; the Gillespie Museum's Valentine's Day celebration! Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Science Saturdays feature special museum exhibits and family-friendly activities.
February 23 - Science Cafe
Snakes 101 with Dr. Jason Ortega, Stetson University, Biology; 6 p.m. in the RELC adjacent to the museum, 5:30 for snacks/social.
Cultural Credit available for Stetson undergraduates.
March 18 - Science Saturday
STEAM Festival! 10 a.m. - noon; Join us in celebrating everything Science Technology Engineering Arts & Mathematics, woohoo! Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Science Saturdays feature special museum exhibits and family-friendly activities.
March 30 - Science Cafe
Bird Populations and People, an Historical Perspective with Dr. Chris Marsh, Director Emeritus, Spring Island Trust; 6 p.m. in the RELC adjacent to the museum, 5:30 for snacks/social. RSVP Today!
Cultural Credit available for Stetson undergraduates.
April 15 - Science Saturday
Earth Day at the Gillespie! 10 a.m. - noon; Our annual celebration of the planet & its wonders! Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. RSVP Today!
Science Saturdays feature special museum exhibits and family-friendly activities.
April 18 - Exhibit Opening & Gallery Talk
The Bone Wars: Museums, Fossils, & National Identity - Come check out our new, student-curated exhibit! Learn about the Bone Wars (1870s to 1910s), a period of hyper-competitive national and international fossil-hunting, in this installation based on Gillespie Museum staffer Katie Wedderstrand's senior research project. Join us on Tuesday, April 18, at 5:30 p.m. for snacks & social, with an introduction to the new exhibit by Katie at 6:00, followed by a short Q&A session. The exhibit will run through May 31, 2023. Come check it out!
Cultural Credit available for Stetson undergraduates.
April 20 - Science Cafe
Historical Uses of Florida's Springs with Robert Mattson, retired Senior Environmental Scientist, St. Johns River Water Management District; 6 p.m. in the RELC adjacent to the museum, 5:30 for snacks/social. RSVP Today!
Cultural Credit available for Stetson undergraduates.
MORE DETAILS TO COME... Join our mailing list to stay updated!
Fall 2022
September 17 - Science Saturday
Smithsonian Museum Day - Our Place in Space; 10 a.m. - noon
The Gillespie Museum is participating in the annual celebration of boundless curiosity with museums and cultural institutions across the country, sponsored by Smithsonian Museum Magazine. From 10 a.m. – noon, young scientists, and their grown-ups, are invited to see the Gillespie’s small collection of meteorites—the fragments of rocks and minerals that teach us about early conditions and processes in the solar system’s history. Join us for some hands-on Earth/space science activities as part of the Smithsonian’s annual museum day!
You can find information about other area museums participating in Smithsonian Museum Day at Smithsonian Magazine.
Kristen Marshall Mattson, Gillespie Museum director
Rescheduled to October 13 - Science Café
"The Birds and the Bees: Creating Backyard Habitat" with Kristen Marshall Mattson, Gillespie Museum director; 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. in the RELC, adjacent to the museum
Join new Gillespie Museum director Kristen Marshall Mattson in our first Science Café of the season to find out how to create backyard habitat, no matter where you live. Who doesn’t love a backyard full of singing birds, fluttering butterflies, and colorful flowers? Learn how best to attract and support wildlife in your own backyard using native plants. Whether you already have extensive gardens and a long “life list”, or are just getting started, you’ll learn practical and science-based tips to make your yard more nature-friendly.
Cultural Credit for Stetson Undergraduates
October 29 - Science Saturday
Mostly Green Halloween; 10 a.m. - noon
Our 13th Annual Fall Fair!
Join us for activities and experiments, exploring the wonders and mysteries of the natural world. The public is invited to participate in this free, family-friendly Halloween-themed event. We welcome scientists of all ages (children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult), and costumes are encouraged!
November 12 - Science Saturday
Founder's Day Celebration & Exhibit Opening! 10 a.m. - noon
It’s the Gillespie Museum’s 64th birthday! Join us for some special activities and for the Grand Opening our new exhibit Minerals in the Artist's Palette, which explores the use of natural mineral pigments in art across the ages and around the globe (open through May 3, 2023 in the museum with cultural credit available for Stetson undergraduates).
Rescheduled to November 17 - Science Café
"Conservation in Action: The History of Lyonia Preserve" with Stephen Kintner; 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. in the RELC, adjacent to the museum
Lyonia Preserve is a 360-acre tract of land that protects critical Florida scrub habitat. It is home to several threatened and endemic species such as gopher tortoises and scrub jays. Mr. Stephen Kintner, retired director of Volusia County Environmental Management and active conservationist, will discuss the history of the land that is now home to Lyonia Preserve, how it came to be protected, and the important role it plays in the conservation of Florida’s ecological heritage.
Cultural Credit for Stetson Undergraduates