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Posted by Bethany Carland-Adams, guest blogger of hmsc.harvard.edu

The days are getting longer and New England is bursting with new growth after a long rainy season. The sun is finally here, and we are gearing up for something big at the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture.
On Friday, June 21st, 2019, we welcome the community to a free, family-friendly night at the museums to celebrate the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.
Join in a variety of activities, grab some food at a food truck, and enjoy free admission to all four of the museums (the Harvard Museum of Natural History, the Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology, the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments, and the Harvard Semitic Museum) on this special night of the year.

Kick off the evening with a visit to our new and permanent exhibitions. The Harvard Museum of Natural History proudly invites you to admire the internationally acclaimed “Glass Flowers,” the stunning collection of hand-crafted plant models created by Czech glass artisans Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka.
Use unique augmented reality technology to “take” an Egyptian Hippo Goddess out of the case and expand her into a statue you can even walk around! While you are at the Semitic Museum, discover how ancient Near Eastern kings commemorated their military triumphs and civic achievements in From Stone to Silicone: Recasting Mesopotamian Monuments.

Cross the street and explore more than 600 objects from Asia, Oceania, and the Americas in All the World Is Here: Harvard’s Peabody Museum and the Invention of American Anthropology.
Pop over to the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments to learn how scientific instruments have influenced the development of astronomy, navigation, physics, biology, medicine, electricity, and communication in Time, Life & Matter.
As the golden hour illuminates Divinity Ave make flower crowns to wear during the evening’s activities, and join in the pageantry of amazing circus performers and musicians.

Solstice

Some cultures mark the start of a new solar cycle by crossing over cleansing fire. Take part in this tradition by jumping over the museums’ “bonfire” and earn a flame tattoo.
Stay tuned for the final performance schedule and list of food trucks, and don’t forget to enter your name to the raffle to win museum memberships and special gifts from our shop!
All activities will take place outside of the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at 11 Divinity Ave from 5-9pm. Free event parking will be available at the 52 Oxford Street Garage, and Divinity Ave is just an 8-minute walk through historic Harvard Yard from the Harvard Square MBTA Red Line station.

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