2024 Fall Trivia Night Report

On October 19 and November 16th, we had our popular trivia night here at the Bean Museum! Our October theme was centered around Halloween. Questions ranged from deadly decomposers to frightening fables and even included a horror movie trivia speed round! Participants sat next to specimens that they believed could scare the other teams. During this event, participants were shocked to learn about the grim truth of fungi and the romantic history behind bobbing for apples. The winners of this event won due to their knowledge of some of Hollywood's most iconic horror movies. They slashed out their competition and won some coveted Bean Museum bucket hats to prove it.   

November’s trivia night was a super event all about superpowers and superheroes! Participants were challenged with questions about real superpowers that both animals and plants possess and knowledge of their favorite superheroes. Everyone learned about exploding trees, and fruits, and the super strength of ants. Both of these events gave cookies to everyone as a consolation prize. Both of these events were completely sold out, and people were asking when the next event was going to be! Both of these nights were beyond exciting here at the Bean Museum.

Angie, museum educator

2024 Fall Mystery Dinner Party Report

Museum employees after a successful event.

On November 9, 2024, 61 unsuspecting guests arrived at the Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum for a seemingly normal dinner party. However as dinner was winding down, a loud scream echoed through the building and they were soon informed that Mr. Bean had been murdered. An investigation was soon under way. 

After guests raced around the museum to solve riddles and interrogate suspects, it came to light that the murder was done in the dining room, with a hippo tusk, by none other than Colonel Mustard. He tried to make a break for it, but was quickly apprehended and arrested by the detectives present at the event. 

When asked why he committed the murder, he admitted to intense jealousy for Mr. Bean’s large collection of animals. The top three teams who solved the murder were rewarded and cake was served.

A couple solving Ms. Scarlet’s riddle.

A group solving Ms. Peacock’s riddle.

The culprit being arrested for his crimes.

Amy, museum educator

2024 Halloween Night Report

You’ve probably heard of Family Home Evening, but have you heard of Family Out Evening? At the Bean Life Science Museum, for Halloween Family Night? Held annually, this year’s event was once again a success.

The night’s activities featured creative balloon animal creations, story time, visiting with our live tarantulas, crafts, and collectable stamps to spin a wheel to win some neat prizes. 

Visitors could also help make a ‘potion’ in our elephant-foot-cauldron by selecting magic specimens from a wizard’s collection of potion ingredients, including newts and toads preserved in jars and bats and snake skins for extra ‘flavor.’

The highlight of the night may have been the Spooky Shows in our downstairs auditorium featuring halloween animal facts, howling along like wolves, lots of participation and laughter, and even a ‘missing’ live tarantula. 

It’s no hoax to say that both our museum educators and museum patrons all had a delightful, fun, and spooky evening!

Suzy, museum educator