December 2008 through February 2009

Albino Animal Exhibit

This exhibit, on loan from the Illinois State Museum, includes:

• weasel/ermine
• winter and one summer version cottontail rabbits
• winter and summer version woodchucks
• albino and regular opossum
• regular and partial albino gray tree squirrel
• albino and regular raccoon
• albino and regular mink
• albino muskrat
• albino buck and does

MMNH has developed an educational program on albino animals and seasonal camouflage of animals around this exhibit. Schools can call 815-895-9777 to schedule a field trip during the three months of the exhibit.

Included in your field trip will be three 45-minutes sections: Albino Animals, tour of MMNH exhibit hall, creepy-crawly live animal demonstration. The cost is $4.50 per student. Teachers are free. One additional chaperone per 10 students is free.

SMALL MUSEUM OF THE YEAR AWARD
In October 2007, after only two and a half years in existence, MMNH was awarded the Small Museum of the Year Award by the Illinois Association of Museums. IAM Coordinator Mary Turner stated, "The awards committee was impressed with how far the museum has come in just two years, with the strong partnerships you have developed with area universities especially, and your excellent programming. They also commented favorably on your creative re-use of a condemned space and the reenergizing effect you seem to be having on your community. All of that makes you an award-winning museum!"