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.
Stay tuned right here and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest info on upcoming Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 museum events!
Fall 2023
August 31 - Science Cafe
The Geological Story of Florida with Kristen Marshall Mattson, Gillespie Museum director; 6 p.m. in the RELC adjacent to the museum, 5:30 for snacks/social.
Cultural Credit available for Stetson undergraduates.
September 23 (RESCHEDULED) - Science Saturday
Opening of Petroglyphics! 10 a.m. - noon; Join us for some hands-on rock art and mineral activities to kick off the new school year! Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Science Saturdays feature special museum exhibits and family-friendly activities.
September 28 - Science Cafe
Shipwreck Archaeology in our Nation's Oldest Port with Chuck Meide, Director, Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program, St. Augustine; 6 p.m. in the RELC adjacent to the museum, 5:30 for snacks/social.
Cultural Credit available for Stetson undergraduates.
September 29 - Watercolor Workshop
Watercolor Workshop in the Volusia Sandhill, adjacent to the museum; meet at the RELC, 3 p.m. For Stetson students only. RSVP; walk-ins welcome if space allows.
Cultural Credit available for Stetson undergraduates.
October 17-20 - Adopt-a-Wildflower!
Adopt-a-Wildflower for Florida Native Plant Month, this week in the Volusia Sandhill restoration area, adjacent to the Gillespie, during regular museum hours.
October 19 - Science Cafe
Demystifying the Florida Black Bear with Mike Orlando, FWC, Bear Management Program; 6 p.m. in the RELC adjacent to the museum, 5:30 for snacks/social. Reservations encouraged- RSVP today!
Cultural Credit available for Stetson undergraduates.
October 28 - Science Saturday
Mostly Green Halloween - Our annual family-friendly fall fair! 10 a.m.-noon; Outdoor activities, crafts, & explorations. Costumes encouraged! Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations encouraged - Read more & RSVP today!
Science Saturdays feature special museum exhibits and family-friendly activities.
November 3 - Birds and Blooms!
Birds and Blooms - In this free, family-friendly workshop, learn how to attract birds to your yard using native plants in your landscaping; offered by the Florida Native Plant Society; 3 p.m. in the RELC. Reservations encouraged - Read more & RSVP today!
Cultural Credit available for Stetson undergraduates.
November 9 - Science Cafe
Water Lettuce in Florida: Tourist or Cracker? with Allen Dray and Paul Madeira, USDA, Invasive Plant Research Laboratory; 6 p.m. in the RELC adjacent to the museum, 5:30 for snacks/social. Cosponsored by Stetson's Institute for Water and Environmental Resilience (IWER). Reservations encouraged - Read more & RSVP today!
Cultural Credit available for Stetson undergraduates.
November 18 - Science Saturday
Founder's Day Celebration! 10 a.m.-noon; It's the Gillespie Museum’s birthday! Join us for some special activities! Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations encouraged - Read more & RSVP today!
Science Saturdays feature special museum exhibits and family-friendly activities.
November 21 - Fall Drop-in Craft Project
Awesome Autumnal Activity! All day, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Everyone is welcome to stop by the museum today during regular hours for a fun, festive, fall-themed activity! Reservations encouraged - Read more & RSVP today!
December 8 - Tea Time at the Gillespie!
Tea & Ethnobotany; Join us for some yaupon holly tea while learning about the historic uses of this unusual plant, the only naturally caffeinated plant native to North America; 3 p.m. in the museum; for Museum Members, and Stetson students, faculty/staff only, please.
If you're not a member and would like to attend, it's not too late to join the museum - we offer a lot of great member benefits!
Reservations encouraged - Read more & RSVP today!
Cultural Credit available for Stetson undergraduates.
Spring 2024
February 22 - Science Cafe
Searching for the First Floridians – Excavations at the Tatum-Crockett Site (8CO1483) on the Lower Santa Fe River with Bob Knight, Director of the Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute; 6 p.m. in the RELC adjacent to the museum, 5:30 for snacks/social.
Cultural Credit available for Stetson undergraduates.
February 24 - Science Saturday
Creatures of the Night with the Central Florida Zoo! 10 a.m.-noon; Join us for some awesome live animal action in the RELC! Co-sponsored with the Stetson Pre-vet Club. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Science Saturdays feature special museum exhibits and family-friendly activities.
March 14 - Science Cafe
Solar Eclipse 2024 with Derek Demeter, Director of the Seminole State College Planetarium; 6 p.m. in the RELC adjacent to the museum, 5:30 for snacks/social.
Cultural Credit available for Stetson undergraduates.
March 16 - Science Saturday
2nd Annual Gillespie STEAM Festival! 10 a.m.-noon; Join us in celebrating everything Science Technology Engineering Arts & Mathematics! Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Science Saturdays feature special museum exhibits and family-friendly activities.
April 18 - Science Cafe
Coastal Pollution Challenges with Brooke Saari (Stetson alum), South Carolina Sea Grant; 6 p.m. in the RELC adjacent to the museum, 5:30 for snacks/social.
Cultural Credit available for Stetson undergraduates.
April 20 - 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.
Science Saturdays feature special museum exhibits and family-friendly activities.
MORE DETAILS TO COME... Join our mailing list to stay updated!