Lorenzo Cultural Center presents special program highlighting dinosaurs and their relationship to modern birds Aug. 4 – Sept. 13

Features American Museum of Natural History exhibit, dinosaur specimens and presentations

The Lorenzo Cultural Center, located on Macomb Community College’s Center Campus, will present Dinosaurs Among Us Aug. 4 – Sept. 13, a free program highlighting the unbroken line between the dinosaurs that dominated the planet for about 170 million years and modern birds.  

“Dinosaurs Among Us at the Lorenzo Cultural Center offers an engaging deep dive into science and history that fascinates young and old alike,” said William Wood, director of cultural affairs and community engagement at Macomb Community College. “Through the artifacts, panels and programs we know there is something here to enthrall and enthuse people of all ages!”

The experience is anchored by the American Museum of National History’s panel exhibition, Dinosaurs Among Us*, featuring large-scale illustrations of both well-known and newly discovered extinct dinosaur species, depicting how they appeared in life. More than 20 dinosaur specimens from the Cranbrook Institute of Science, including casts of dinosaur skulls, claws, nests and full skeletons, along with real fossilized teeth and claw bones, will be displayed. Both the American Museum of National History’s exhibit and the Cranbrook artifacts will help guests make connections between dinosaurs and modern birds through up-close comparisons of their physical features.

The cultural center will also have more than six related presentations, including:

• Aug. 9, 1 p.m.: Dino Day with Paleojoe. Joseph Kchodl, an award-winning paleontologist, author and storyteller known as Paleojoe, offers a close-up view of the importance of paleontology, including how fossils are formed as well as the stories they tell about ancient creatures and how Earth developed.
• Aug. 13 and Sept. 10, 11 a.m.: Dino Tales Storytime. Cultural Center staff will read stories for elementary-school age children about fossils, digs and dinosaurs amongst the Dinosaurs Among Us exhibit.
• Aug. 15, 11 a.m.: Tyrannosaurus: Monster or Murder Bird? Timothy Urban, Cranbrook Institute of Science’s premier dinosaur expert, discusses how he is using modern birds, the descendants of dinosaurs, to uncover new insights into the T-rex.
• Aug. 27, 11 a.m.: Living Large: The Paleobiology of Sauropod Dinosaurs. Jeff Wilson Mantilla, professor and curator at the University of Michigan Museum of Paleontology, highlights how sauropod dinosaurs, stretching up to 49 meters long and weighing 57 metric tons, adapted their feeding strategies, movement and body mechanics to thrive.

For a complete schedule of programs and to register, visit https://www.lorenzoculturalcenter.com/ Registration is not necessary to visit the exhibit and display of specimens. The Lorenzo Cultural Center is open Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., as well Saturday, Aug. 9 and Aug. 23. The cultural center is located on Macomb Community College’s Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Township.

*Dinosaurs Among Us is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (amnh.org) with support from Museo de Ciencias, Universidad de Navarra, Spain; North Museum of Nature and Science, United States; Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum, Canada; and Universum Museo de las Ciencias de la UNAM, Mexico.

About the Lorenzo Cultural Center

The Lorenzo Cultural Center provides interactive learning opportunities for all ages. It extends student discovery beyond classroom walls as well as creating multi-faceted opportunities for community members to explore the influences and experiences that shape our heritage. It is located on Macomb Community College’s Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Township. More information is available at www.LorenzoCulturalCenter.com

About Macomb Community College

Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is about transforming lives and communities through the power of education, enrichment and economic development. Macomb grants the largest number of associate degrees in Michigan and is the largest community college in the state. The college provides programming for youth through seniors, including early college for high school students, university transfer and career preparation programs, workforce education, continuing education and certification, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities encompassing arts, culture and lifelong learning.

Media contact: Katlyn Holtvluwer, 586.349.8737, holtvluwerk281@macomb.edu