The Fellows Program offers members the unique opportunity to visit exotic locations with NHM curators or other experts who can provide exclusive access to places no one else can go! Fellows trips will generally be limited to 20 travelers and can be adapted to the groups’ interests and needs; from family oriented activities to adventure travel to photography related expeditions—the possibilities are endless.

May 19 - 21, 2007
Santa Barbara, Cambria and San Simeon

Santa Barbara and the Central Coast were beautiful settings for a wonderful Curator's Circle level Fellow's weekend. The adventure started with curator Diana DuPont leading a tour of the Tamayo: A Modern Icon Reinterpreted exhibition at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. As a special treat, Diana also showed guests the Siqueros Mural Project during a private cocktails and hors d' oeuvre reception. Afterward, the Fellows enjoyed dinner in the Ridley Tree Gallery surrounded by the Museum's Impressionist paintings. The next day the group traveled to Cambria and then to Hearst Castle for a marvelous, private, behind-the-scenes tour. The group enjoyed cocktail hour at the Neptune pool followed by a spectacular sunset during dinner on the Neptune Terrace. The adventure ended with Anissa and Paul Balson hosting breakfast at the Ranch House on the San Simeon/Hearst Castle property. One of the highlights of the weekend was having Kevin Starr and his wife Sheila along. Kevin–California’s State Librarian Emeritus and renowned author–delighted everyone with stories of California's rich history and provided fascinating insight into William Randolph Hearst and his amazing legacy.

For more information on Santa Barbara Museum of Art's Siqueros project, please visit http://www.sbmuseart.org/exhibitions/special.asp

For more information about Kevin Starr, please visit http://www.usc.edu/schools/college/faculty/faculty1003730.html

February 5 - 20, 2007
Argentina: Patagonia and Beyond

Argentina provided a wonderful setting for the most recent Fellows travel adventure. Dr. Luis Chiappe, a native Argentinean and Director of the Natural History Museum’s Dinosaur Institute, along with Jane Pisano, President and Director of the Natural History Museum, led a once-in-a-lifetime journey to this spectacular region. The Fellows enjoyed glamorous Buenos Aires, seeing many the colorful neighborhoods and historic sites. The group enjoyed local pleasures such as passionate tango performances (and lessons!) and quintessential Argentinean steakhouse meals. The trip took the group to the majestic foothills of the Andes, the thriving penguin colonies of the Atlantic coast and the breathtaking Iguazu Falls on the Brazilian frontier. One of the highlights of the trip included a special visit to the sauropod nesting ground where Dr. Chiappe discovered dinosaur eggs with intact embryos!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW COMPLETE ITINERARY OF THE TRIP (PDF)

June 11 - 23, 2005
Alaskan Adventure
CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR ONLINE TRIP DIARY WITH PHOTOS!
Experience Alaska’s unparalleled natural beauty and learn about the state’s rich Native American heritage on this intimate trip to one of the most magnificent destinations in the world. Angel Valdes, Assistant Curator of Malacology, will accompany you on this journey, which begins with a private cruise through the wildlife-filled fjords of Alaska’s Inside Passage. Visit the summer feeding grounds of humpback whales and observe a variety of other marine mammals, including porpoises and sea lions. There’ll also be time to stop and explore the lush islands and quaint villages up-close. Home to the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian Indians, as well as early Russian settlers, the region’s history is reflected in its towering totem poles and gleaming onion-domed churches. Next, fly to Fairbanks for an exclusive tour of the University of Alaska Museum, led by the museum’s director. You’ll then travel by glass-domed luxury rail car to Alaska’s heartland on an excursion to Denali National Park and Preserve. Home to Mt. McKinley—the highest peak in North America—the park boasts spectacular mountain vistas, vast tundra, and an abundance of animal life, including caribou, moose, Dall sheep and grizzly bear.